"Red Mars" is a science fiction novel by Kim Stanley Robinson, published in 1990. It is the first book in a trilogy that explores the colonization and terraforming of Mars. The story follows a group of scientists and engineers as they attempt to create a sustainable human presence on the planet, facing political, social, and environmental challenges. The novel delves into themes of ecology, technology, and human nature, highlighting the complexities of adapting to a new world. It features a diverse cast of characters, including Frank Chalmers and Maya Toitovna, who represent different ideologies and approaches to the colonization process.