Contents
Chapter 11
Overview
JPL restores control of Pathfinder, receives Watney’s written notes, and shifts to ASCII-based communication. A software hack lets Pathfinder update the rover, enabling real-time text chat. NASA outlines a rescue concept using Ares 4’s MDV and a supply mission. Amid PR pressure, Teddy authorizes Mitch to inform the Hermes crew.
Summary
JPL brings Pathfinder online after rebuilding its antiquated systems. Venkat and Bruce oversee the first high-gain response and order a panorama, hoping Watney left a message. The image reveals Watney’s handwritten note and a yes/no protocol. Watney, elated and emotional, confirms he’s receiving and begins structured exchanges.
Because yes/no is too slow, Watney proposes an ASCII hex system using cards placed around the imager. With this, he reports his status, survival story, potato crops, and long-drive plan to Ares 4, and jokes about satellite surveillance. Attempts to leverage Sojourner fail, and they agree to resume the next sol.
At JPL, software engineer Jack Trevor proposes repurposing Pathfinder’s Sojourner link to mimic the Hab beacon and updating the rover via a minimal on-site code hack. Despite PR chief Annie Montrose pressing for a photo, Venkat prioritizes the comms; Watney provides a suited thumbs-up image as requested.
Guided by ASCII instructions, Watney edits the rover’s library with 141 bytes and reboots. The patch works, and full text chat begins. NASA shares rescue concepts: retasking Ares 4’s MDV for an overland hop to pick up Watney and planning a supply mission. Watney reports potatoes extending food to around Sol 900, and, broadcast live, punctuates the exchange with irreverent humor.
Internally, Jack suggests faster guidance via Hermes, but Venkat refuses to distract the crew. In Houston, Mitch argues the crew should be told now that hope exists. Teddy agrees and authorizes Mitch to inform Hermes, reaffirming NASA’s commitment to bring Watney home.
Who Appears
- Venkat KapoorLeads JPL coordination; manages media, approves comms strategies, and greenlights the rover-software hack; shares rescue outlines with Watney.
- Mark WatneyEstablishes contact via Pathfinder, devises ASCII system, applies rover code hack, begins text chat, reports crops to ~Sol 900, provides a photo.
- Jack TrevorSoftware engineer who proposes and implements the Pathfinder-to-rover comms hack enabling real-time text communication.
- Bruce NgJPL director overseeing Pathfinder revival and operations during the initial panorama and message exchange.
- TimPathfinder communications console operator, handles image downlinks and confirms system status.
- Annie MontroseNASA PR chief pressing for a photo of Watney to satisfy intense media demand.
- Teddy SandersNASA Administrator; fields a presidential call and authorizes informing Hermes about Watney.
- Mitch HendersonFlight Director who insists the Hermes crew be told; receives authorization to inform them.