Q: What is MarsDrive? What does the name mean?

It is meant to convey our aim to become a driving force or a "catalyst" behind the drive to send humans into space and onto Mars. No single space advocate group, private organization or nation could accomplish all of this on their own but as a catalyst we can play a key role in sparking interest and financial support for Mars settlements.

Q. Are you interested in Mars only?

Not at all. Our vision and mission statement clearly reflect our recognition of the importance of all other space priorities as we drive to "Mars and beyond." We favor all forms of exploration be it manned or robotic, private or government; and we also favor space tourism for the ability it will have to get us all into space sooner and for its ability to inspire large numbers of people via connecting humanity with the "experience" only a few astronauts have had.

Q: Why don't you just work through the NSS or other organizations?

First of all: We do! Many of our core members belong to other such groups and support them with their time and money. We are willing to partner and co-operate with any other group having similar goals - but we also have ideas of our own.

Q. But why form another group? Aren't there enough already?

Just as society contains billions of individuals with their own unique personalities, beliefs and viewpoints we strongly believe that one size does not fit all, especially in a subject which has not traditionally been popular as space is today.  The existence and start up of new space groups is but one aspect of what is needed for effective public outreach in the 21st century. Diversity and variety are in this context beneficial and the new ideas they generate are also positive. MarsDrive has a specific focus that is not replicated by any of the space advocacy organizations, especially in regards to our emphasis on public outreach to groups in society that have been neglected by space advocates until now.

Q. Then what do you differently?

Instead of competing against other space groups for members and funds from the existing (finite) pool of space activists and advocates we intend to go directly to the wider public as our way of building numbers. This is reflected by our name which is a break from the more traditional scientific "societies" which were among the first generation of mainstream space groups.

"The journey to Mars is not just a technical endeavor, but a human endeavor. It will take many different kinds of people working together to achieve it, and we will not succeed without public support." There are two main aspects which differentiate us from other groups-

1.It is our perception that true layman style, entertainment focused public outreach is not stressed as much in the space community as is science and technology (at least by an order of magnitude). Our experience at many space conferences has reflected this reality where the public outreach tracks are usually the least attended in favor of the science/engineering based tracks/topics. This is largely unconscious and unintentional; space enthusiasts have an intense interest in the technical aspects of space exploration. We want to focus on reaching out to people who do not necessarily have an interest in quantum mechanics nor a background in space matters generally.

2. All of our programs are aimed directly at moving humans to Mars in the most realistic, quickest and cost effective ways possible. We are currently working on several projects behind the scenes (to be announced in coming months) to take a step by step approach to this most complex task. We believe that sending manned and unmanned missions to Mars as soon as possible via alternative means such as the new private space sector or emerging space nations is of paramount importance and our strategies and programs reflect this policy.

Q. What is your policy towards Mars analogue research stations?                                                                                                   

We fully support these programs and seek to assist and improve their effectiveness. The first step towards this has happened with one of our members Randall Shelaga attending the Expedition Epsilon at MDRS in February 2008. The Mars Society and others are doing a fantastic job in these areas and we aim to help them improve wherever possible as we strive towards a human future on Mars. Our own programs however are aimed at directly sending unmanned and eventually manned missions to the red planet as soon as financial resources, public support and political will allow it.

Q. How are you related to other Mars groups like the Mars Society?

We are not related to any of them although in some cases we have members in common and in some instances groups are formally affiliated to us (and vice versa).  MarsDrive does not compete with other space organizations; much like our contributions to the Mars Gavity Biosatellite project we in fact support them, and work to offer them funding for specific projects.

Q. So is MarsDrive all about public outreach, nothing else?

Not at all. From our mission design program to the Mars Sample Return mission design contest we work at the technical aspects of space as well as public outreach. However, as stated earlier: We are engaged in a human endeavor, not just a scientific one. We need public support - and we need people to be actively and directly involved in creating their own future.

Q. But our group is already trying to raise public support and funding, why do we need MarsDrive?

We can always use more public outreach. No single group has all the answers in this area. Many groups do engage in worthwhile and important research but none of it will mean anything if we cannot get these projects into space some day. One of our key goals is to work towards projects that will help to solve the severe funding issues space exploration faces such as the R&D and construction costs as outlined in our Aims.

So an investment in the unique programs of MarsDrive will help bring our shared aspirations to fruition - instead of all this work on funding solutions continuing to be ignored due to public disinterest or official apathy. Our aim is honor the years of hard work and dedication within the space community by actually helping such projects be built and operated in space by the very groups that have worked on them.

Q. If I join MarsDrive, can I/we still participate in other groups?

Yes. We encourage you to stay in the group you are in and to support them as you have been, but where possible to join with us as a Pioneer member or in whatever way suits you.

Q: What is MarsDrive doing politically to push for humans to Mars missions?

Our V.P Hal Fulton has written an excellent guide in this process in the U.S called "The Space Activist's Handbook". The work of political lobbying has been and continues to be engaged in by many other groups including members of MarsDrive. While we will support their efforts, (and our own members take part in such efforts) our own program is focused on advocating for people to take charge of their own destiny.  It's not someone else's responsibility to get us into space - it is OUR responsibility. If we want to go into space - then we'll have to finance it via more than just one space agency or one single government.

Q: How can I help/join MarsDrive?

We need people. You can join as a Pioneer or Basic member by clicking on the "Join" tab. Lifetime membership is $800 and Corporate sponsorship is by application. Our step-by-step process will require many people from many different fields all working together. So whether it’s setting up an informal 'branch' of MarsDrive in your local area or working in one of our Task Forces we welcome you with whatever you can offer. Simply fill in our online Form so we know you exist and can send you further information. If you are already burning with enthusiasm then you can also use the 'Subscribe' or 'Donate' buttons.