The Mars Society is the world's largest and most influential space advocacy organization, dedicated to the exploration and settlement of the planet Mars. Established in 1998 by Dr. Robert Zubrin and others, their mission is to educate the public, media, and government about the benefits of venturing to Mars and establishing a permanent human presence on the Red Planet.

The Society actively seeks to achieve its mission by organizing public outreach programs to foster a deep interest in Mars, promoting international support for government-funded Mars research and exploration, and advocating for commercial space ventures that contribute to Mars exploration and settlement. Their vision is to realize a permanent human settlement on Mars within the next decade through the implementation of the Mars Direct plan, which emphasizes a living-off-the-land approach. This involves sending a large cargo mission to establish a propellant factory that utilizes Mars' surface water ice and atmospheric resources to create fuel.

The Mars Society offers various programs and initiatives, including Mars analog simulations, educational programs such as MarsVR virtual reality simulations and Marspedia online encyclopedia, the University Rover Challenge, political advocacy efforts, privately-funded research, chapter meetings and activities worldwide, and the annual International Mars Society Convention. With a commitment to advancing humanity's understanding and exploration of Mars, the Mars Society is at the forefront of driving progress towards a future where humans call Mars their home