WASHINGTON – April 24, 2014 – During the Humans to Mars Summit, Explore Mars, Inc. announced today that Doug McCuistion has joined the Board of Directors of Explore Mars, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the goal of sending humans to Mars within the next two decades. The Board of Directors determines the strategic direction of Explore Mars and ensures that it aligns with the objectives of the organization.

“We are extremely happy to formally welcome Doug to the Explore Mars Board and leadership team,” said Explore Mars Executive Director Chris Carberry. “He has been an invaluable resource to us through the years in his capacity on our Board of Advisors. Doug’s long career with NASA and his experience as the “Mars Czar” brings a tremendous knowledge base to our Board. He gives us real-word experience on what it will take to get Humans to Mars. We couldn’t be happier to welcome both of him.”

Doug McCuistion has served on the Explore Mars’ Board of Advisors since 2012 and is transitioning to the Board of Directors. McCuistion worked for NASA for more than 20 years, most recently as Director of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, overseeing robotic exploration and preparing for human exploration of Mars. Under his leadership, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Phoenix Lander and Mars Science Laboratory/Curiosity Rover were completed and launched. He held various positions throughout NASA including working at Goddard Space Flight Center in Earth and space science. He has been awarded two Navy Commendation Medals, two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals and he was recognized with the rank of Meritorious Senior Executive.

“Explore Mars’ dedication to uniting science and exploration and expanding awareness, education and technical development to serve these purposes and put boots on the surface of Mars is laudable,” said McCuistion. “I am proud to have been asked to play a formative role as a member of the Board of Directors of Explore Mars.”

Explore Mars’ mission is to “make humans a multi-planet species.” To further that goal, Explore Mars conducts programs and technical challenges to stimulate the development and improvement of technologies that will make human Mars missions more efficient and feasible. The organization also challenges and encourages educators to use Mars in the classroom as a tool to teach standard STEM curricula.

 About Explore Mars, Inc.

Explore Mars was created to advance the goal of sending humans to Mars within the next two decades. To further that goal, Explore Mars conducts programs and technical challenges to stimulate the development and/or improvement of technologies that will make human Mars missions more efficient and feasible. In addition, to embed the idea of Mars as a habitable planet, Explore Mars challenges educators to use Mars in the classroom as a tool to teach standard STEM curricula.

Explore Mars, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation organized in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Donations to Explore Mars are tax-deductible. Contact Explore Mars via its website or email info@ExploreMars.org.