There was a system mission Harry had been waiting for for a long time.
[Mission Issued: United] [Mission Details: Create an extraterrestrial colony developed by settlers from 50 different countries] [A union in name alone is meaningless. We need to stand together through real action.]
The colony ship had been on the surface of Mars for some time.
The Mayflower carried 250 settlers from 50 countries. This Mars mission differed from previous ones: its goal was to "establish a colony," not "conduct scientific exploration."
Above Acidalia Planitia on Mars.
After 134 days of flight, they could finally land on Mars.
The ship had hovered 100 meters above the Martian surface for dozens of sols. Its 24 instruments, including microwave ranging and speed sensors and optical cameras, had calculated the safest landing zone.
The Construction Robots had arrived on the surface long ago, clearing the landing zone and completing the foundation work.
"Nuclear Fusion really is wonderful. I feel like we could even take a sightseeing trip to Jupiter," Watney said casually.
Squad commander Melissa Lewis had been watching the ship's fuel tanks. She was an experienced female astronaut.
Watney was exaggerating somewhat, but they did have plenty of propellant left. The specific impulse of electric-propulsion propellant was far higher than that of chemical fuel. A sightseeing trip to Jupiter might be troublesome, but it was not impossible.
Compared to the old method of landing with the aid of Mars's atmosphere, the Mayflower had ample conditions for a slow descent. They did not need to face the intense heat and attitude deviations caused by passing through the Martian atmosphere.
Overall, thanks to advanced propulsion technology and fuel reserves, they had far more options.
Whew—
The enormous Colony Ship descended onto the desolate Acidalia Planitia. Contrary to its immense size,