In 2057, the international space exploration conglomerate MECTI (Mars Exploration, Colonization and Terraformation Initiative) sends the first two manned missions to Mars, in an attempt to not only land the crew safely on the surface, but to have this small collection of humans establish the first permanent foothold on another planet.

Transmissions From Colony One tells the story of these first humans, who volunteered for a one-way trip to Mars, and constantly struggle with their decision to give up everything about their past lives for a harsh existence in the most unforgiving environment imaginable.