Wizje podboju Marsa. Od literackiej dystopii do kluczowych decyzji politycznych

Abstract

The aim of this article is to outline the vision for colonisation of Mars. In the article I answer the following questions: what motivates individual persons, communities and states to head in this direction? Also: why has Mars of all planets become an object of fantasy of daydreamers, enthusiasts, experts in astronautics, and – increasingly – politicians? I briefly describe the genesis of mass interest in the Red Planet, development of literature and fantasy and science fantasy films. I outline past and present manned Mars mission and colonisation plans as well as political and economic prospects arising out of the planet’s conquest by the greatest powers in the world.