Chapter 13

The chapter intercuts Earth-side preparation histories with Watney’s current status. Deyo Plastics and JPL manufacture and assemble Hab canvases, including sheet AL102, which eventually ships as part of Presupply 309 and waits on Mars for the Ares 3 crew. On Mars, after reestablishing Pathfinder comms, Watney exchanges emails, jokes about “colonizing” Mars with his crops, and learns Morse as a backup one-way system.

NASA finalizes a slower, safer resupply plan to arrive near Sol 856 with food and redundant comms, while Watney prepares for a second potato harvest and plans to store the crop outside to freeze-dry. He receives a measured note from Commander Lewis and responds supportively. Watney’s water reclaimer underperforms due to high humidity from the farm; NASA urges caution, but Watney methodically disassembles it and clears mineral clogs, restoring full function.

Flashbacks show Lewis and Beck assembling the Hab and airlocks, where AL102 first bears pressure. Over months of use, AL102 at Airlock 1 subtly stretches from storms and repeated pressurization cycles, creating a hidden weak point behind a seal-strip.

After a medium sandstorm on Sol 119, Watney begins a routine EVA through Airlock 1. During depressurization, the fatigued AL102 fails. The breach races around the airlock perimeter, blasting the airlock free and explosively venting the Hab. Thrown and battered, Watney’s faceplate shatters into safety fragments; dazed but alive, he hears a hiss from the airlock, realizes his suit isn’t leaking, and confronts the new disaster.