Chapter 24

NASA leadership reviews fresh orbital images of Watney’s crash site: the rover lies on its side, the trailer is upside down, and solar panels are scattered. Mindy Park notes no EVA tracks and no clear pressure loss. Bruce Ng believes the rover likely held pressure; Venkat orders continued monitoring.

Watney logs that he’s unhurt and the rover’s pressure vessel is intact, though the trailer disconnected and three solar cells were likely crushed. On EVA he confirms the damage, finds the trailer precariously resting on its inflated roof, and sets up surviving panels. He outlines priorities: relieve the trailer’s load, right both vehicles, and replace the rover’s destroyed tow hook. He signals NASA: “ROLLED. FIXING NOW.”

On Sol 499, Watney focuses on the rover. Using long cabling as a towline and a drill bit anchored in rock, he gains leverage and tips the rover back onto its wheels. System checks pass, but fading light in the crater’s shadow halts work on the trailer.

On Sol 500, he digs a nose pit and tows the inverted trailer downhill so it somersaults onto its wheels, succeeding just as daylight ends. On Sol 501, he inspects the trailer: the atmospheric systems and oxygenator work, the RTG overheated the sealed volume but is fine, and hoses reconnect cleanly. He transfers the intact trailer tow hook to the rover, fully restoring travel capability, though the setback cost four sols. To avoid another rollover, he plans a 5 kph crawl down the Ramp.

NASA receives “ALL BETTER NOW,” and projects Watney’s arrival at the MAV midweek. On Sol 502, Watney descends slowly and safely off the Ramp, camps to maximize recharge, and celebrates with a special meal. On Sol 503, with reduced charge, he makes 63 km and closes to 148 km from the MAV.

On Sol 504, he picks up the MAV’s homing beacon rebroadcast, allowing direct navigation. He closes the final distance, crests a dune, and stops near the towering MAV. Overcome with relief, he exits, celebrates exuberantly, hugs a landing strut, and enters the MAV’s airlock.