The countdown has begun for the 21st century s most heroic and potentially deadliest expedition. A manned mission to Mars has been the dream of scientists for decades and now Mars Rising explores that dream and the challenges being faced by international space agencies and in laboratories. More than 300 scientists from Canada, the United States, Europe, Chile and Russia have contributed to Mars Rising, a six-part documentary series and a companion to the expedition series Race to Mars. The quest to the secrets of the universe begins on Mars.