Wizje podboju Marsa. Od literackiej dystopii do kluczowych decyzji politycznych

The aim of this article is to outline the vision for colonisation of Mars. In the article I answerthe following questions: what motivates individual persons, communities and states tohead in this direction? Also: why has Mars of all planets become an object of fantasy ofdaydreamers, enthusiasts, experts in astronautics, and – increasingly – politicians? I brieflydescribe the genesis of mass interest in the Red Planet, development of literature and fantasyand science fantasy films. I outline past and present manned Mars mission and colonisationplans as well as political and economic prospects arising out of the planet’s conquest by thegreatest powers in the world.Key words: Mars, dystopia, science fiction, space policy, political decision