What happens in Chapter 1 of the Martian?

The novel opens with the Sol 6 entry of Mark Watney’s log. Watney doesn’t know who will read his log, but he hopes that someone will eventually find it. He knows that the rest of his crew (and therefore, everyone on Earth) thinks he died earlier that day, and he believes he will eventually die on Mars.

What is the name of the mission in the Martian?

Ares 3
The name of the mission is Ares 3, a homage to the Greek god of war, Ares, whose Roman name is Mars. The name of the large ship traveling back and forth between Earth and Mars is Hermes, named after the Greek god who was the messenger and emissary.

What is Watney’s new job at the end?

Watney pierces his pressure suit, using the escaping air to propel himself to Lewis, ending his 543 sols alone on Mars. After returning to Earth, Watney becomes a survival instructor for astronaut candidates.

What holiday does Watney miss in the Martian?

Analysis. Watney’s survival would not be possible without the 12 whole potatoes NASA sent for the crew to prepare together for Thanksgiving. Because these potatoes were included to celebrate a holiday that revolves around a communal feast, they represent gratitude and the importance of human connection.

How many missions to Mars have failed?

Reaching Mars is a hard and unforgiving endeavor, with little room for error. A large proportion of the 50-odd missions launched toward Mars have been lost due to failed components, rocket glitches or grievous errors that sent probes crashing into the Martian surface or missing the planet altogether.

Did Mark Watney go back to Mars?

The crew learns that an intense storm is about to pass through. Choosing to go on with their mission, Watney opts to wait it out. The crew heads out in their suits as heavy winds and sand gusts him them. A piece of debris breaks off and strikes Watney, knocking him out of sight from the crew.

Who wrote The Martian Chronicles?

Ray Bradbury
The Martian Chronicles/Authors

Ray Bradbury (1920–2012) was the author of more than three dozen books, including Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, and Something Wicked This Way Comes, as well as hundreds of short stories.