The Rich Purnell maneuver is a crucial plot point in the science-fiction film The Martian, starring Matt Damon. It’s a complex and risky strategy that could potentially save the lives of the astronauts stranded on Mars.
What is the Rich Purnell maneuver?
The Rich Purnell maneuver is a slingshot trajectory that uses the gravity of Earth, Mars, and a nearby planet to propel the Hermes spacecraft back to Mars. It’s named after Rich Purnell, an astrophysicist who came up with this idea in the movie.
How does it work?
The maneuver involves sending a supply probe to intercept with the Hermes crew as they fly by Earth. This probe carries enough fuel to alter its own course and give Hermes an extra push towards Mars. However, this push would not be sufficient to get Hermes all the way back to Mars.
To achieve the final destination, Hermes needs to use Mars’ gravity as a slingshot effect. The spacecraft will then use a second burn from its engines to adjust its trajectory and land safely on Mars.
How does it affect the Hermes crew?
The Rich Purnell maneuver affects the Hermes crew in several ways. Firstly, it prolongs their journey by several months as they need to wait for Earth and Mars to align correctly for the slingshot effect.
Secondly, it puts their lives at risk since they will be using up vital resources such as food and water during this extended journey. If anything goes wrong during this time, they might not survive long enough for rescue.
Thirdly, there’s also a risk of failure during execution of this maneuver. If anything goes wrong during any step of this complex process – from supply probe launch to final engine burn – it could spell disaster for both the crew and mission itself.
The importance of teamwork
Despite all these risks associated with the Rich Purnell maneuver, it’s a necessary gamble that the crew and NASA need to take. It’s a test of their teamwork, skills, and adaptability in a situation where every second counts.
The success of this maneuver depends on the precise coordination between the Hermes crew, NASA mission control, and the supply probe team. Any miscommunication or error could result in failure.
In conclusion
The Rich Purnell maneuver is a high-stakes strategy that highlights the importance of teamwork and ingenuity in space exploration. It’s a testament to human resilience and our ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
While it’s purely fictional, it serves as an inspiration for scientists and engineers who are working towards making long-term space travel a reality. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll have our own Rich Purnell maneuver to save stranded astronauts millions of miles away from home.
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