The Martian opens October 2 and NASA wants everyone to know, there is real science behind the scenes.
Many of the technologies described in the movie are based on work NASA is doing today. For instance, advanced solar electric propulsion systems that use ion propulsion and minimize fuel consumption while maximizing distance, and Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs), which use the natural radioactive decay of plutonium as a source of energy for spacecraft, are in use right now.
Oxygen generation systems and water recycling systems on the International Space Station today will continue to be refined for deep space travel. Advanced solar arrays based on those we use now will provide critical energy for propulsion, communications and onboard systems.
NASA also is already farming in space. The ISS crew ate the first lettuce grown in space on August 10; NASA’s “Veggie” is a deployable fresh food production system that produces crops for astronauts and could be used during our Journey to Mars. New spacesuit designs also are in development, as well as habitats and other technologies.
All of these capabilities will enable a human mission to Mars, and support the path we take to get there. Our plans build on the testbed we already have aboard the International Space Station and include missions to an asteroid and to test technologies in the proving ground of deep space. – Charles Bolden, NASA Administrator