“Mars is key to humanity's future in space. It is the closest planet that has all the resources needed to support life and technological civilization. Its complexity uniquely demands the skills of human explorers, who will pave the way for human settlers.”

American aerospace engineer and author

Robert Zubrin is an American aerospace engineer, author, and advocate for human exploration of Mars. He is known for arguing that space will shape future military and political power, and for making the case for a stronger American role in space. His writing often turns on Mars exploration and on the strategic importance of space. He has also argued that control of space will matter in future conflict, and that peace on Earth depends on preparing for war beyond it.