JAMES L. BURK
Cinematic Mars landscape with starry sky - representing human Mars exploration and settlement goals of The Mars Society
Executive Director · The Mars Society

ENGINEERING
THE FUTURE

Bridging the gap between technology and space exploration
to make humanity multi-planetary.

Latest Insights

View All →

We Grew Martian Tomatoes

Using compost, spirulina, and a custom PhotoBioReactor, our MDRS Crew 261 mission grew tomato seedlings in Mars regolith simulant.

March Executive Director's Letter

An update on how I see things progressing in my new role as Executive Director of The Mars Society.

My History with the Mars Society

This blog post describes my personal history with the Mars Society, from way back in 1998 until the present day.

Mission Driven

As the Executive Director of The Mars Society, I lead the world's largest space advocacy organization dedicated to the human exploration and settlement of Mars.

With over two decades of experience at Microsoft as a technical project director, I bring engineering rigor to space advocacy. I founded the Mars Technology Institute and have commanded analog missions at the Mars Desert Research Station.

Expertise & Services

Based in North Bend, Washington, I offer technology consulting and nonprofit management expertise to organizations making a difference.

Nonprofit Technology

Strategic technology planning, digital transformation, and IT infrastructure for nonprofits and advocacy organizations.

Project Management

24 years of Microsoft experience in technical project management, from product launches to enterprise-scale initiatives.

Virtual Event Production

Led virtual conventions with 15,000+ attendees and 100,000+ viewers. Expert in hybrid event technology and live streaming.