The Sands of Mars

About “The Sands of Mars”

Martin Gibson, a famous science fiction author, travels to Mars as a guest aboard the spaceship Ares. After arriving at Space Station One, he is accompanied by Jimmy Spencer, the youngest crew member, who answers his questions about space technology. Gibson shares details of his past, including leaving Cambridge University due to a nervous breakdown and later becoming an author. He also reveals a past relationship that ended in separation and the woman's subsequent death. On Mars, Gibson meets Warren Hadfield, the colony's CEO, and Mayor Whittaker. He discusses the colony's goal of self-sufficiency with Hadfield, who is focused on making Mars independent from Earth. During a trip to a research station, Gibson and the crew encounter native Martian creatures and learn that plants are being cultivated to increase oxygen levels. The project is kept secret from Earth. Gibson later discovers that Spencer is his son, while Spencer becomes close to Hadfield's daughter. Hadfield reveals "Project Dawn," which involves igniting Phobos to provide heat and support a breathable atmosphere. Gibson is persuaded by Mars' potential and is invited to manage public relations for the colony.