Dreams, Risks, and Human Will Reaching Toward the Red Planet
Mars… A planet whose red color seems to call to us even from afar, one that has made humanity reflect for thousands of years while gazing at the night sky. Ancient civilizations associated it with the god of war, scientists searched its surface for traces of water, and writers built cities on Mars in their imagination. Today, however, Mars is no longer just a romantic dream — it has become a scientific, technological, and even political objective.
So who are the people dreaming of Mars? What drives them? Adventure? Science? Fame? Or humanity’s instinct for survival?
In this article, we will journey from the historical origins of the Mars idea to today’s real projects, exploring human psychology and possible future scenarios.
Chapter I: How Did the Idea of Mars Begin?
Mars is not new in human thought. Even before the invention of the telescope, people gave mythological meanings to celestial bodies. However, scientific interest in Mars began in the 17th century with the invention of the telescope.
In the 19th century, claims emerged about the observation of “canals” on Mars. Although these observations were later explained as optical illusions, they strengthened the belief for a time that civilization might exist on Mars. Science fiction literature of that era carried the idea of Mars into the collective imagination.
The idea of an actual mission to Mars became conceivable in the 20th century with the development of rocket technology.
Chapter II: The Space Race and the Dream of Mars
In the mid-20th century, the space race began between the USSR and the United States. Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, and Neil Armstrong, the first to step onto the Moon, became symbols of humanity’s advancement into space.
After the Moon landing, the next target was clear — Mars.
In the 1970s, robotic missions were sent to Mars. NASA’s Viking program achieved the first successful landing on the planet’s surface. Later, rovers such as Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity continued exploring the Martian terrain.
Mars had become not just a dream, but a real object of scientific research.
Chapter III: The Modern Era – Mars Is Already in the Planning Stage
Today, the dream of Mars is no longer science fiction — it is an engineering project.
One of the strongest figures behind this vision is Elon Musk. His company, SpaceX, presents sending humans to Mars as a real plan. The Starship project is specifically designed for Mars colonization.
At the same time, NASA’s Artemis program aims to return to the Moon first and later carry out a long-term mission to Mars.
Mars is no longer merely a romantic dream — it is a strategic plan, an investment, and a technological testing ground.
Chapter IV: Why Is Going to Mars So Difficult?
Mars is located at an average distance of 225 million kilometers from Earth. The journey may take approximately 6–9 months.
Main challenges include:
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Long-term microgravity
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Radiation exposure
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Psychological isolation
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Limited resources
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The thin Martian atmosphere
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Low temperatures (average of −60°C)
Landing on Mars is far more difficult than landing on the Moon. The atmosphere is too thin for parachutes to function effectively, yet thick enough to create resistance, requiring complex engineering solutions.
Chapter V: What Might a Mars Colony Look Like?
In the initial stage, a Mars colony would likely consist of closed, pressurized living modules. It may include:
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Artificial oxygen systems
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Hydroponic agriculture
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Construction using 3D printing
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Underground radiation protection
The first colonists would be scientists, engineers, and individuals with high psychological resilience.
Living on Mars would be not only a physical challenge but also a profound moral and emotional test.
Chapter VI: The Psychological Aspect – How Will Humans Change on Mars?
Living on Mars means:
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Loneliness
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A low probability of immediate return to Earth
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A closed environment
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Constant risk
This would mark a new stage in human psychology. Mars colonists might form a new culture. Perhaps in the future, the concept of a “Martian human” will emerge.
Chapter VII: Is Mars Humanity’s Backup Plan?
Some scientists view Mars colonization as humanity’s “backup plan.” Global warming, asteroid threats, pandemics — all make an alternative habitat strategically significant.
However, critics argue:
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Mars is not a substitute for Earth
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Earth must be protected first
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A Mars colony could become an extremely expensive and elitist project
Chapter VIII: The Dream of Mars – Science or Philosophy?
The desire for Mars is not only about technology. It is rooted in human nature.
Humans have always wanted to see beyond the horizon.
When former U.S. President John F. Kennedy announced the Moon program, he said:
“We choose to do these things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”
Mars represents the same challenge.
Chapter IX: Who Will Be the First Human on Mars?
Perhaps it is a child studying in school today. Or maybe an astronaut already in training.
This person must be:
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Capable of enduring long-term isolation
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Technically highly skilled
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Physically healthy
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Ready to accept risk
Becoming the first resident of Mars would open a new chapter in human history.
Chapter X: Mars – A Symbol of Human Will
The dream of Mars symbolizes humanity’s desire to push beyond its limits.
Space exploration not only introduces us to new worlds but also helps us better understand ourselves.
Mars represents:
Courage
Science
Risk
Hope
Perhaps more important than reaching Mars is having the courage to try.
Conclusion
Those who dream of Mars are not only engineers and scientists. They are visionaries thinking about the continuation of human history.
Will a Mars colony be built? When? By whom?
Time will tell.
But one thing is clear:
Humanity will not stop looking at the sky.
And one day, the Red Planet will no longer be a distant point of light — but a world marked by human footprints.