Mars is smaller than Earth. So much so that Mars' gravity is less than 40% of Earth's. While that is beneficial for launching things into orbit and moving mass around, i never see discussions talking place on how this would affect humans physiologically.

In my view, the weaker gravity kills any hope of a Martian settlement project. Even if we could build a sustainable settlement, how long could humans live there before experiencing changes to their bodies. Sure they could stay a year or two and probably be fine. But after 10? The bone density changes would make a return to Earth extremely difficult. God forbid a child was to be born there. Would they grow twice as tall? Would they ever be able to live on Earth?

I have no doubts that humanity could build a research station on Mars. But that's all it can ever be. A research station where scientists stay for a limited time. A permenent population would rapidly develop into a new species. Even if Mars had a breathable atmosphere the effects of gravity would remain.

Science fiction is not reality. I see a lot of powerful, influential people selling fiction as reality. You are not immune to propaganda.