MARS

The episode explores two pivotal moments in space exploration: the historic entry of the first human mission into Mars' atmosphere in 2033, and the contemporary challenge faced by SpaceX in landing the world's first reusable rocket.

The Daedalus crew faces extreme challenges while traveling across the Martian surface to reach their destination. Meanwhile, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly continues his mission aboard the International Space Station.

In 2033, the crew of the Daedalus spacecraft faces challenges in finding adequate shelter from harmful radiation. Meanwhile, a present-day documentary highlights a collaboration between the European Space Agency and Roscosmos to launch an orbiter aimed at supporting future human settlement on Mars.

A new team arrives on Mars four years after the Daedalus mission to advance colonization efforts and investigate the possibility of life. The episode draws parallels between the challenges of Mars settlement and the human presence at McMurdo Station in Antarctica.

In 2037, the crew of a Martian habitat faces increasing psychological strain as they remain confined during a critical mission. Meanwhile, in the present day, researchers examine the impacts of prolonged isolation through long-term analog missions designed to simulate space exploration conditions.

A catastrophic event in a Martian colony in 2037 prompts a reevaluation of humanity's space mission. Meanwhile, in the present day, SpaceX continues its efforts to develop the rocket technology necessary for interplanetary travel.

Scientists at the established Olympus Town settlement on Mars, where a group has lived for nearly ten years, anticipate the arrival of expert astronauts from the corporate entity Lukrum Industries. Meanwhile, on Earth, workers endure harsh conditions on an Arctic oil platform that resemble those found on Mars.

As IMSF and Lukrum begin to rely on a shared water and power supply, tensions rise when Kurt's team makes sudden progress in their mining operations, straining the fragile peace Hana tries to uphold between the two groups—until a tragic event disrupts the balance. Meanwhile, Dr. Leslie Richardson assumes leadership as the new IMSF Secretary General, and on Earth, Greenpeace activists confront Arctic oil drilling in the Barents Sea, raising questions about the impact of their protest methods.

A solar flare disrupts communications on Mars, prompting Olympus Town to urgently search for exobiologist Marta Kamen as tensions rise. The colony also faces the challenges of its first pregnancy, a personal tragedy for Hana, and setbacks in Amelie's plan to return to Earth. Meanwhile, scientists on Earth conduct a risky mission to gather critical data on glacial melt and its impact on sea levels.

Marta recovers from a strange illness as an outbreak spreads through Olympus Town and Lukrum Colony, prompting the IMSF to investigate its cause and prevent further deaths. Meanwhile, in the present day, activist Vladimir Chuprov exposes a suppressed indigenous health crisis linked to Russia's Arctic oil operations.

Lukrum secures exclusive mining rights with Russia, causing tension in Olympus Town as LT. Commander Mike Glenn's actions threaten both Hana and the colony's safety. Meanwhile, the first Martian baby is born two months early. In the present-day Arctic Circle, nations strive to regulate corporate power, protect ecosystems, and support indigenous communities amid resistance from fossil-fuel companies focused on profit.

Lukrum's aggressive corporate actions threaten the safety of two colonies, prompting the IMSF to intervene and prevent further disaster, though not everyone will survive the fallout. Meanwhile, on Earth, human-driven environmental changes continue to disrupt ecosystems, with NASA's Operation Icebridge monitoring the rapid decline of Arctic sea ice as part of ongoing climate research.