Summary

Mark does a system check and boots up. He has to wear his spacesuit until life support kicks in. Houston congratulate him on his amazing journey. They’ll be sending him instructions for the MAV’s modifications.

Bruce tells Venk there’s a problem. The MAV is designed to orbit Mars at 4.1 kps; the Hermes will be flying at 5.8 kps. They will need more hydrogen to make up the difference which Mark can convert from some of his water. Also, the MAV has to lose some weight -- all non-essential gear and systems will go including the nose of the ship. Martinez will guide the MAV remotely from the Hermes.

Mark has 43 sols to prepare for the rendezvous with the Hermes. MAV is in such pristine condition that he hates to think about tearing it apart. He begins clearing the MAV out and...