P. M. Zubrin (theorist on space exploration)

P. M. Zubrin is an aerospace engineer and advocate for human space exploration, best known for proposing practical ways to send humans to Mars. He developed the concept of the Mars Direct mission, which emphasizes using in-situ resource utilization—producing fuel and life support from Mars itself—reducing launch costs from Earth. Zubrin’s work focuses on making Mars colonization technically feasible and sustainable, aiming to advance humanity’s presence beyond Earth. His ideas have significantly influenced space policy discussions and have helped inspire renewed interest in manned missions to the Red Planet.