I think the reason we are seeing so many coming out this year is exactly because people are regaining that optimism because of SpaceX and the Mars colonization

I think the reason we are seeing so many coming out this year is exactly because people are regaining that optimism because of SpaceX and the Mars colonization plan. Which is why I would like to see an adaptation of KSR's Mars trilogy. It could galvanize support for manned Mars exploration. I've been reading the books for the last few weeks and I've found them especially gripping because it feels like we are so close to making it a reality.