The Martian, a science fiction novel written by Andy Weir, is a story about an astronaut named Mark Watney, who gets stranded on Mars after a fierce storm hits his team. In his quest to survive on the Red Planet, he uses various tools and equipment available in his habitat, including the Hermes spacecraft. But the question that arises is – Is the Hermes in The Martian Accurate?
The Hermes spacecraft plays a crucial role in the novel as it serves as Mark’s lifeline to Earth. It is portrayed as a large vehicle with multiple modules, including a command module, living quarters, and propulsion systems. The author describes it as a technological marvel capable of traveling millions of miles through space.
However, is this portrayal of Hermes accurate? Let’s examine the facts.
Firstly, the Hermes’ design seems plausible based on current spacecraft technology. NASA’s real-life Orion spacecraft shares many similarities with the fictional Hermes depicted in The Martian. Both use solar panels for power and are equipped with various modules for different purposes.
Secondly, the propulsion system used by Hermes in The Martian is based on ion engines. These engines use electrically charged particles to generate thrust and can provide continuous acceleration for long periods. While ion engines are not yet capable of providing enough thrust for interplanetary travel like in the novel, they are being developed and tested for future missions.
Thirdly, while some elements of The Martian’s portrayal of Hermes may be realistic or plausible based on current technology or research developments, there are still some aspects that may stretch credibility or artistic license.
For instance, in the novel, the crew performs multiple slingshot maneuvers around Earth and Mars to increase their velocity towards their destination. While slingshot maneuvers are indeed possible and have been used in previous missions like NASA’s Voyager program, performing multiple slingshots would require precise calculations and timing that may be difficult to achieve given current technology.
Additionally, while radiation shielding is a significant concern for spaceflight, the novel does not provide adequate details on how Hermes is shielded from the intense radiation present in space. The spacecraft would need to be equipped with heavy shielding materials or rely on advanced technologies like magnetic fields to protect its crew.
In conclusion, while some elements of The Martian’s portrayal of Hermes may be realistic or plausible based on current technology or research developments, there are still some aspects that may stretch credibility or artistic license. While it is undoubtedly an entertaining and engaging story, readers should not take every detail as factual or scientifically accurate.