How Does the Hermes Adjust Its Velocity in Order to Be Able to Catch Watney?

The Hermes spacecraft played a critical role in rescuing Mark Watney in the movie “The Martian”. One of the major challenges that the crew of Hermes faced during the rescue mission was adjusting their velocity to catch up with Watney’s position in space. In this article, we will explore how the Hermes spacecraft adjusted its velocity to successfully rescue Watney.

Understanding Orbital Velocity

Before delving into the specifics of how Hermes adjusted its velocity, it is important to understand what orbital velocity is. Orbital velocity refers to the speed at which an object must travel to maintain a stable orbit around another object, such as a planet or a moon.

The Hohmann Transfer Orbit

In order for Hermes to catch up with Watney, it had to follow a specific trajectory known as the Hohmann transfer orbit. This involves firing the spacecraft’s engines at specific intervals in order to adjust its speed and trajectory. The Hohmann transfer orbit is a fuel-efficient way of transferring between two orbits and is commonly used by spacecraft for interplanetary missions.

The Gravity Assist Maneuver

Another important factor that helped Hermes adjust its velocity was the gravity assist maneuver. This involves using the gravity of another celestial body, such as a planet or moon, to help alter the trajectory and velocity of the spacecraft. In this case, Hermes used Earth’s gravity as a slingshot to increase its speed and adjust its course towards Watney’s position.

The Importance of Communication

During any mission involving multiple spacecraft or crew members, communication is crucial for success. In “The Martian”, communication between Hermes and NASA on Earth was essential for coordinating the rescue mission and adjusting Hermes’ trajectory and velocity accordingly.

Conclusion

In summary, catching up with Mark Watney required careful planning and execution by both Hermes’ crew and the team on Earth. By using the Hohmann transfer orbit, gravity assist maneuvers, and effective communication, the crew of Hermes was able to adjust its velocity and successfully rescue Watney. The use of such techniques demonstrates the precision and complexity of space travel and highlights the importance of teamwork in achieving success in challenging missions.