Is the Hermes From the Martian Accurate?

The Hermes is a fictional spacecraft featured in the novel and movie ‘The Martian’ by Andy Weir. The story revolves around an astronaut named Mark Watney who gets stranded on Mars after his crew leaves him behind, thinking he is dead. In the book and movie, Hermes is the spacecraft that brought Watney’s crew to Mars and is used to bring them back home.

But how accurate is the portrayal of Hermes in the story? Let’s take a closer look.

The Design of Hermes:
Hermes is described as a nuclear-powered spacecraft designed for long-duration spaceflight. In the book, it is said that it was built in pieces on Earth and assembled in orbit around Earth before making its way to Mars.

The spacecraft has a central living area called ‘The Hab’ where the crew lives during their journey to and from Mars. It also has a propulsion module called ‘The MAV’ (Mars Ascent Vehicle) which is used by Watney to get off Mars.

While most of the technology used in Hermes is fictional, some aspects of its design are based on real-world concepts. For example, NASA has been exploring nuclear propulsion for space travel since the 1950s. The idea behind this technology is to use nuclear reactors to heat propellants like hydrogen or ammonia and create thrust.

The Reality of Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft:
While nuclear propulsion may seem like science fiction, it has been studied extensively by NASA and other space agencies. In fact, NASA’s Project Prometheus was focused on developing advanced nuclear propulsion systems for future missions to Mars and beyond.

However, there are still many challenges associated with using nuclear power in space. For example, radiation shielding would be required to protect astronauts from harmful particles emitted by the reactor. Additionally, there are safety concerns associated with launching a nuclear reactor into space and ensuring that it doesn’t pose a risk to Earth if something goes wrong.

• The Accuracy of the Science:

While the science behind Hermes may be fictional, the story is grounded in real-world concepts and technologies. The author, Andy Weir, did extensive research to ensure that the science behind his story was as accurate as possible.

For example, he consulted with experts in fields like botany, chemistry, and orbital mechanics to ensure that the details of Watney’s survival on Mars were plausible. He also used real-world data from NASA and other space agencies to describe the environment on Mars and the challenges associated with getting there.

Conclusion:

While Hermes may not be entirely accurate in terms of its technology and design, it is based on real-world concepts and technologies. The story highlights the challenges associated with long-duration spaceflight and the complexities of exploring other planets.

Overall, ‘The Martian’ is a great example of how science fiction can inspire us to push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration. It shows us that while we may not have all the answers yet, we are making progress towards a future where humans can live and work beyond Earth’s atmosphere.


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