Understanding Mark Watney’s Martian Survival Strategies

In the 2015 science fiction film The Martian, astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, faces numerous challenges during his journey back to Earth. One of the most critical tasks he must manage is the disposal of his waste products. With no means of venturing outside and a limited space within the rover, Watney must be resourceful to survive.

Strategies for Peeing and Pooping on Mars

Watney devises several ingenious methods to handle his bodily waste during his journey. The first method for urination involves the use of a specialized container made for urine collection, which is commonly used in space missions. These containers are designed to be airtight, allowing Watney to store his urine until he can properly dispose of it.

For solid waste, Watney creates a makeshift toilet using resources from the rover and habitat. He admits in the film that he needs to be careful with this setup to avoid contamination, emphasizing the importance of proper waste management in a harsh and sterile environment:

Normally we were expected to use our suit’s reclamation system when on an EVA. But the suits just aren't made to handle twenty days of output. Fortunately as an astronaut you learn how to shit in a bag. For urine I’m using a resealable plastic box. It reeks like a truck stop mens room in here when I open the piss box. And if you think that's bad, imagine the smell when I drop anchor!

Changing Containment Strategies

During his trip to Path Finder, Watney saves his urine and feces because the resources are crucial for his farm. However, when he embarks on his journey to Ares 4, he changes his strategy:

On the way to Pathfinder, water and manure are necessary for the farm. On the way to Ares 4, he dumps the waste outside to avoid the need for double the resources.

Living Space Optimization

Despite the smaller space during his trip to Ares 4, Watney still manages to make the most of it. He describes the rover as being about the size of a van during these trips, equipped with the oxygenator and the atmospheric regulator with the balloon roof. He even contemplates using the rover as a makeshift bedroom when he arrives at Schiaparelli:

The rover was plenty big enough it was meant to hold at least three astronauts comfortable but had to be able to carry four or five in an emergency. No more than three per excursion usually but if the rover was damaged on an EVA and couldnt even be towed you’d have to have at least one person go rescue them with the other rover. Meaning you’d have at least four people in the rescue rover on the way back.

Conclusion

The survival strategies employed by Mark Watney in The Martian not only demonstrate the importance of resourcefulness and ingenuity but also highlight the critical aspects of waste management in space exploration. His methods for disposing of bodily waste while stranded on Mars have fascinated audiences and inspired practical discussions about space survival techniques.