Fictional Elements in 'The Martian' That Never Happened in Real Life

The Martian, the 2015 adaptation of Andy Weir's novel, has captivated audiences with its fast-paced narrative and realistic depiction of a Mars mission. However, while the film was inspired by scientific concepts and plausibility, many elements of the story are purely fictional. This article explores the fictional elements of the film that went beyond real-life limitations and possibilities.

The Possibility of Martians

In 'The Martian,' the basic premise is that a crew of astronauts lands on Mars, where an event causes them to abandon the lone survivor, Mark Watney. This scenario itself is not fictional; the Red Planet has certainly been a destination for the human imagination regarding human colonization and exploration. However, the idea that Martians exist and have a significant role in the narrative is purely fictional. The movie portrays the recent discovery of Water-ice at the Martian South Pole and an alien artifact, yet these discoveries are not actual findings.

The Sustainability of Watney’s Survival

Mark Watney's survival on the Martian surface is one of the most significant and captivating elements of the film. In real life, sustaining a human being on Mars faces numerous technological and logistical challenges. Numerous life support systems, such as air, water, and food supplies, must be meticulously maintained. In the film, Watney utilizes scientific and ingenuity to keep himself alive. However, several of these solutions are rooted in imagination and were not proven real-life practices.

Spacecraft Design

The spacecrafts and rovers depicted in the film are advanced and capable of conducting comprehensive scientific investigations. In 'The Martian,' Watney's usage of the MAV (Mars Ascent Vehicle) and other technologies to overcome environmental and resource constraints is awe-inspiring. However, these spacecraft designs are often simplified and exaggerated for the film's impact. NASA's Orion spacecraft, for instance, is significantly different in both design and capabilities. The actual Mars mission would likely require more durable and reliable technology development,

Communication Delays

Communication between Earth and Mars is a critical aspect of any real Mars mission. However, in 'The Martian,' the communication delay between Earth and Mars is much shorter than it would truly be. In reality, it takes approximately 4-20 minutes for a message to travel from Earth to Mars and vice versa due to the vast distance involved. The expedited communication in the film is a deliberate narrative choice to maintain suspense and advance the plot more rapidly.

AI and Technology

Watney relies heavily on RTG (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators) and other advanced technologies. While these technologies are being developed by NASA and other space agencies, the film greatly simplifies and fictionalizes their use. For example, in the film, Watney makes a makeshift RTG using potatoes, a concept that is entirely fictional. Additionally, the film portrays a sophisticated Mars rover with advanced autonomy and capabilities that are currently beyond the scope of real-world technology.

Conclusion

While 'The Martian' draws inspiration from real scientific knowledge and possible future Mars exploration, many of the plot elements, character interactions, and journey specifics are purely fictional. This blurring of the line between science and fiction enriches the film as a form of entertainment and thought-provoking speculation. However, it is crucial to recognize the distinction between the fictitious and the factual, making the film a valuable conversation starter and a lesson in both scientific and creative imagination.

Keywords

The key words are: The Martian, Mars mission, fictional elements