Mars trilogy
A trilogy detailing the colonization and terraforming of Mars.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars trilogy follows the settlement and transformation of Mars across nearly two centuries, from 2026 to 2212. Told through the perspectives of many different characters, the series leans toward optimism rather than pessimism, highlighting egalitarian ideals, social progress, and scientific breakthroughs on Mars, while Earth struggles with overpopulation and environmental collapse.
The three main novels are *Red Mars* (1992), *Green Mars* (1993), and *Blue Mars* (1996). A companion collection, *The Martians* (1999), includes short stories set in the same world. *Red Mars* won the BSFA Award in 1992 and the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1993. *Green Mars* received the Hugo Award for Best Novel and the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in 1994. *Blue Mars* also won both the Hugo and Locus Awards in 1997.
Robinson's earlier novel *Icehenge* (1984), his first about Mars, is not part of this universe but explores similar themes and plot points. The trilogy also shares some elements with his later novel *2312* (2012), such as the terraforming of Mars and characters who live extremely long lives.
**Plot**
**Red Mars – Colonization**
*Red Mars* begins in 2026 with the first colonial voyage to Mars aboard the *Ares*, the largest interplanetary ship ever built, carrying the first hundred colonists. The ship was constructed from space shuttle external fuel tanks that were kept in orbit rather than returned to Earth, until enough had been gathered. The mission is a joint American-Russian effort, with seventy of the First Hundred coming from those two countries (the French psychologist Michel Duval is an exception, assigned to observe the group). The story covers the journey, the building of the first settlement (later called Underhill) by Russian engineer Nadia Cherneshevsky, the establishment of colonies on Mars's hollowed-out moon Phobos, the shifting relationships among the colonists, and their debates over terraforming and Mars's future relationship with Earth.
Two opposing views on terraforming are embodied by Saxifrage "Sax" Russell, who argues that their mere presence means some terraforming has already begun and that humanity has a duty to spread life, the rarest thing in the universe; and Ann Clayborne, who insists that humans have no right to alter entire planets at will. Russell's view starts as purely scientific but eve
- author
- Kim Stanley Robinson
- novels
- Red Mars (1992), Green Mars (1993), Blue Mars (1996)
- related_work
- The Martians (1999) – short story collection in same universe
- awards
- Red Mars: BSFA Award (1992), Nebula Award (1993); Green Mars: Hugo Award, Locus Award (1994); Blue Mars: Hugo Award, Locus Award (1997)
- time_span
- 2026 to 2212
- themes
- Terraforming, colonization, revolution, longevity, ecological and social change
Lore & Background
Green Mars picks up 50 years after Red Mars. Melting ice causes the dome of Zygote to collapse, forcing survivors into an underground organization called the Demimonde. Unrest grows against multinational control, and various resistance groups form. The Dorsa Brevia agreement unites nearly all underground factions. Preparations for a second revolution begin in the 2120s, including converting moholes to missile silos, sabotaging orbital mirrors, and propelling Deimos out of Mars' gravity well. Sax Russell infiltrates the transnat terraforming project under a fake identity. The biosphere is further developed with orbital mirrors, a new space elevator, melting the northern polar ice cap, and digging moholes. Blue Mars concludes the story, though the article does not provide its plot details.
Reader's Guide
The Mars trilogy is significant as a landmark in science fiction for its detailed, scientifically grounded depiction of terraforming and colonization over nearly two centuries. It explores political, social, and ethical questions about planetary transformation, resource control, and human longevity. The trilogy's awards—including Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards—reflect its critical acclaim. Its influence extends to later works by Robinson, such as 2312, which shares themes of terraforming and extreme longevity. The trilogy remains a touchstone for discussions of utopian versus dystopian futures, environmental ethics, and the sociology of space settlement.
Did You Know?
- Red Mars won the BSFA Award in 1992 and the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1993.
- Green Mars won the Hugo Award for Best Novel and the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in 1994.
- The trilogy spans 187 years, from 2026 to 2212.
- Robinson's earlier novel Icehenge (1984) deals with similar themes but is not set in the same universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three novels in the Mars trilogy and when were they published?
The trilogy runs Red Mars (1992), Green Mars (1993), and Blue Mars (1996), all by Kim Stanley Robinson. Together they chart the human colonization and terraforming of Mars across two centuries.
What time period does the Mars trilogy span?
The narrative stretches from 2026 to 2212, covering roughly 186 years of Martian history. This broad sweep lets Robinson follow several generations of settlers as they reshape the planet's atmosphere and society.
What are the central themes of the Mars trilogy?
The books grapple with terraforming, political revolution, ecological transformation, and the push for egalitarian governance on Mars. They also contrast Martian social progress against Earth's struggles with overpopulation and environmental collapse.
What major science-fiction awards did the Mars trilogy win?
Red Mars claimed the BSFA and Nebula Awards, while Green Mars picked up the Hugo and Locus in 1994. Blue Mars followed with Hugo and Locus honors in 1997, making the set one of the most decorated in the genre.
Is there additional material set in the same universe as the Mars trilogy?
Yes—Robinson published The Martians (1999), a short-story collection that expands on characters and events from the trilogy. It functions as a companion volume set within the same Martian timeline.
More in Novels by Kim Stanley Robinson 1-22
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