Small steps to giant leaps: groundwork for the first human missions to Mars

Guest Speaker

Thursday, 23rd April 2026 (19:45 - 22:00)

Venue: Hybrid

Join us for an inspiring talk by Dr Frances Butcher as she explores the essential groundwork being laid for humanity’s first crewed missions to Mars. In Small Steps to Giant Leaps, Dr Butcher will discuss the scientific, technical, and logistical challenges of sending humans to the Red Planet — from developing reliable life-support systems and sustainable habitats to understanding the Martian environment and preparing astronauts for long-duration space travel.

Whether you’re passionate about space exploration, interested in the future of human spaceflight, or curious about Mars science, this talk will offer fascinating insights into how small advances are paving the way for one of the greatest journeys in human history.

 Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leading voice in the field — a must-attend event for space enthusiasts and aspiring explorers alike!

Join online if you can't meet us at the meeting room HERE

Speaker: Frances Butcher

Dr Frances Butcher is a Royal Society University Research Fellow in the School of Geography and Planning at Sheffield. A planetary scientist and glacial geomorphologist researching the history of glaciation on Mars and Earth, she uses data from satellites orbiting Mars to analyse the landscapes generated by past and present glaciers on the Red Planet. In doing so, this aims to better understand the history of ice, liquid water, and environmental change on Mars, and inform the scientific objectives of future robotic and human missions.