February 24, 2026

— In 2012, NASA pulled off what seemed like the impossible: lowering a car-sized robotic rover onto the surface of Mars from a "sky crane" that was hovering above. That feat, which deposited "Curiosity" into Gale Crater, was only matched in excitement that year by SpaceX successfully launching a Dragon, the first-ever commercial spacecraft to enter Earth orbit.

Those historic events from 14 years ago standout as pinnacle achievements in spaceflight. But what if humanity could have gone much, much further — not only living on Mars, but seeking independence from our home planet — by 2012?

"We have been self-sufficient, no longer relying on shipments and supplies from Earth. Truly in control of our own destiny," says entrepreneur Dev Ayesa (Edi Gathegi) in the newly-released first full trailer for season 5 of "For All Mankind."

The Apple TV alternate space history series returns after a two-year hiatus on Friday, March 27, with one of 10 new episodes streaming through May 29.

"For All Mankind" season 5 trailer. Click to enlarge video in new pop-up window. (Apple TV)

The two-minute teaser sets up the conflict between Earth and Mars, picking up nine years after season 4.

"It is high time we bring Mars under control," says the President of the United States Jim Bragg (Randy Oglesby). "Without allies, without aid, without your home planet, let's see how long you can survive."

In response, quick scenes show uprisings at Happy Valley, the international Mars base, including one seemingly kicked off by Alex Baldwin (Sean Kaufman), the third-generation space explorer who is later seen in the trailer and on the season 5 key art riding his motorcycle on the red planet.

"Mars is ours!" he yells at a rally, inspiring others to repeat his chant.

The clip includes many of the returning cast, including Joel Kinnaman as veteran Gemini and Apollo astronaut Ed Baldwin; Toby Kebbell as Mars settler Miles Dale, Cynthy Wu as second-generation astronaut Kelly Baldwin, Coral Peña as flight controller-turned-aerospace executive Aleida Rosales and Wrenn Schmidt as the NASA director-turned-convicted operative Margo Madison.

Also seen are newcomers Mirelle Enos ("The Killing," "Hanna") as Celia Boyd, a security officer on Mars; Lily Dale, the daughter of Miles Dale; and Ines Asserson ("Royalteen"), as A.J. Jarrett, a U.S. Marine training to go to space.

"For All Mankind," which began in 2019 (in real life) with the premise that the Soviet Union landed the first man on the moon, was created by Ronald D. Moore ("Star Trek," "Battlestar Galactica"), together with showrunners Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi. Moore, Wolpert and Nedivi also serve as executive producers along with Maril Davis of Tall Ship Productions, Kira Snyder, David Weddle, Bradley Thompson and Seth Edelstein.

The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television for Apple TV.

In addition to on-going seasons, Apple TV has in work a spinoff series, "Star City," which will consider the events of the alternate timeline from the perspective of the Soviets. A premiere date for "Star City" has not been announced.