Beth Johanssen
The Ares 3 computer specialist who helps execute the rescue.
via Wikipedia: The Martian (Weir novel) · see source
Beth Johanssen is the Ares 3 computer specialist. The source identifies her role as "Ares 3 computer specialist" and she is listed among the major characters of the novel. She is part of the crew that arrives at Acidalia Planitia for a month-long stay on Mars in the year 2035. During the emergency evacuation caused by a wind storm, she is one of the crew members who evacuates. Later, after NASA discovers Watney is alive, the Ares 3 crew is informed of his survival; they are all thrilled, except for Commander Lewis. Johanssen is among the five crewmates who approve the "Rich Purnell Maneuver" and once they begin the maneuver, having disabled the remote overrides, NASA has no choice but to support them.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Ares 3 computer specialist
Lore & Background
Beth Johanssen is the Ares 3 computer specialist, as listed in the novel's major characters. She is part of the crew that arrives on Mars in 2035 for a month-long stay. During the evacuation caused by a wind storm, she escapes with the rest of the crew. Later, when NASA informs the Ares 3 crew that Watney is alive, she is among the crew who are thrilled.
She is one of the five crewmates who approve the "Rich Purnell Maneuver" — a slingshot trajectory around Earth for a gravity assist that could get Hermes back to Mars on a much-extended mission to save Watney. After Henderson secretly emails the details to Hermes, all five crewmates approve the plan. Once they begin the maneuver, having disabled the remote overrides, NASA has no choice but to support them. The resupply ship docks with Hermes successfully.
During the final rescue, Lewis improvises a plan to intercept the MAV by firing Hermes' attitude thrusters and then blowing a hole in the front airlock with an improvised sugar-and-liquid-oxygen bomb. Beck, the Hermes' EVA specialist, uses a Manned Maneuvering Unit on a tether to reach Watney and bring him back to Hermes.
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