“I’m pretty much fucked. That’s my considered opinion. Fucked.” — Mark Watney
Chapter 1
After a dust storm forces the Ares 3 mission to evacuate Mars, astronaut Mark Watney is struck by debris and left behind, presumed dead. He regains consciousness alone on the planet with limited supplies and no way to communicate with Earth.
Chapter 2
Watney assesses his situation: he has the Hab (habitat), some food, and equipment from the mission. He calculates that his food will run out long before a potential rescue, so he must find a way to grow more.
Chapter 3
Using his botany skills, Watney begins growing potatoes in the Hab, fertilizing them with human waste and creating water by burning hydrazine. He documents his progress through log entries, maintaining dark humor despite his dire circumstances.
Chapter 4
NASA discovers Watney is alive when satellite images show movement around the Hab. They confirm his survival but keep it secret while figuring out how to help him.
Chapter 5
Back on Earth, NASA director Teddy Sanders and Mars mission director Venkat Kapoor debate how to proceed. They eventually go public with the news, sparking global attention.
Chapter 6
Watney modifies the rover for long-distance travel, planning to drive to the Ares 4 landing site where supplies are stored. He faces numerous technical challenges in adapting equipment for survival.
Chapter 7
NASA works on a supply probe to send Watney more food, but it explodes during launch. Meanwhile, Watney accidentally destroys his potato crop by causing a pressure breach in the Hab.
Chapter 8
China secretly offers NASA a booster rocket to help with a supply mission. NASA accepts and begins preparing a new probe with help from international partners.
Chapter 9
Watney begins his treacherous journey to the Ares 4 site, facing dust storms, equipment failures, and navigation challenges across the Martian landscape.
Chapter 10
The Hermes crew (Watney’s former teammates) learn he’s alive and conspire with NASA flight director Mitch Henderson to alter their return trajectory for a rescue attempt, despite orders to leave Watney behind.
Chapter 11
Watney reaches the Ares 4 site and begins modifying the MAV (Mars Ascent Vehicle) for his needs. Meanwhile, NASA and the Hermes crew execute a risky plan to slingshot the Hermes back to Mars.
Chapter 12
Watney launches in the modified MAV, while the Hermes crew performs a dangerous maneuver to intercept him. After several tense moments, they successfully retrieve Watney, completing his improbable rescue.
Chapter 13
Watney returns to Earth as a hero, teaching survival classes to astronauts. The story ends with him reflecting on human resilience and the international cooperation that saved his life.
Key ideas
- Human ingenuity and problem-solving in extreme conditions
- The power of scientific knowledge and practical application
- International cooperation in space exploration
- Psychological resilience in isolation
- Humor as a coping mechanism
Who should read this book?
- Science fiction fans who enjoy technically detailed survival stories
- Readers interested in realistic depictions of space exploration
- Those who appreciate stories of human ingenuity against impossible odds