Robert J. Zubrin

Robert J. Zubrin is an aerospace engineer and scientist known for advocating human space exploration. He developed the concept of the Mars Direct plan, which proposes cost-effective ways to send humans to Mars using in-situ resource utilization—meaning producing fuel and supplies from local Mars materials. Zubrin emphasizes that rapid, affordable space missions can expand humanity’s presence beyond Earth, fostering technological innovation and ensuring long-term survival. His ideas have influenced space policy discussions and inspired efforts to make human settlement on Mars a feasible goal within this century.