What Is the Hermes in the Martian?

If you’re a fan of science fiction, you’ve probably heard of “The Martian”, the bestselling novel by Andy Weir. The book tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is stranded on Mars after his crew mistakenly believes he is dead and leaves him behind. Watney must use his skills and ingenuity to survive on the planet until he can be rescued.

One of the key elements of “The Martian” is the Hermes spacecraft, which plays a crucial role in Watney’s rescue. But what exactly is the Hermes? Let’s take a closer look.

The Hermes: An Overview

The Hermes is a spacecraft that was designed by NASA for a mission to Mars. It’s a modular craft made up of several different components, including:

  • The crew module
  • The propulsion module
  • The habitation module
  • The science module
  • The supply module

Each module has its own specific purpose and function, but together they form a complete spacecraft that can transport a crew to Mars and back again.

Crew Module

The crew module is where the astronauts live and work during their journey to Mars. It includes sleeping quarters, workstations, and other amenities necessary for life in space.

Propulsion Module

The propulsion module provides the necessary thrust to get the spacecraft to Mars and back again. It also includes fuel tanks and engines for course corrections during the mission.

Habitation Module

The habitation module provides additional living space for the crew while they are on Mars. It includes sleeping quarters, food storage areas, and other amenities necessary for survival on the planet.

Science Module

The science module contains all of the equipment necessary for conducting scientific experiments on Mars. This includes soil analysis tools, sample collection equipment, and other instruments for studying the planet’s geology and atmosphere.

Supply Module

The supply module is responsible for providing the crew with food, water, and other necessary supplies during their journey to Mars and while they are on the planet.

The Importance of the Hermes

In “The Martian”, the Hermes plays a crucial role in Mark Watney’s rescue. When NASA discovers that Watney is still alive on Mars, they realize that they need to mount a rescue mission as quickly as possible. The problem is that there is no spacecraft currently in orbit around Mars that can bring Watney back to Earth.

Enter the Hermes. The spacecraft was on its way back to Earth after completing its mission when NASA re-routed it to Mars in order to rescue Watney. With its modular design and powerful propulsion system, the Hermes was able to make the journey to Mars in a relatively short amount of time.

Conclusion

The Hermes is a fictional spacecraft, but it’s based on real-world technology and science. Its modular design and powerful propulsion system make it an ideal vehicle for transporting crews to Mars and back again. In “The Martian”, it plays a crucial role in Mark Watney’s survival and eventual rescue.