The Martian Lesson Plan

Why is the MAV so important to the Mars missions? What does the MAV have on it that would improve Watney's predicament?

First off, the MAV is the crew's way off of Mars. MAV stands for Mars Ascent Vehicle. It is sent to Mars roughly a year and a half before the crew actually arrives so that it can build up fuel and be ready. It is a long process, and it is the first step in getting the astronauts from Mars to Earth.

The MAV is also crucial in contacting NASA. The Hab has one communications system, and that system was destroyed in the dust storm that injured Watney. The remaining three communication systems are on the MAV. Without them, Watney has no way of...