California Film Institute San Rafael, CA
Dr. Pascal Lee
Planetary Scientist, Mars Institute, the SETI Institute, and NASA Ames Research Center
The Martian— Mission: Mars
Program Description
An illustrated presentation about the planning and preparation for the first human mission to Mars, including a discussion of our progress, from the Arctic to Antarctica, from basement labs to the International Space Station, to achieve the first human voyage to Mars.
Presented At
California Film Institute San Rafael, CA
Film Synopsis
When astronauts blast off from the planet Mars, they leave behind Mark Watney, presumed dead after a fierce storm. With only a meager amount of supplies, the stranded visitor must use his wits, spirit, and scientific know-how to find a way to survive on the hostile planet.
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring "the Martian" home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney's safe return. Based on the best-selling novel by Andy Weir, and helmed by master director Ridley Scott, The Martian was nominated for three Golden Globes.
About the Speaker
Dr. Pascal Lee is a planetary scientist at the Mars Institute, the SETI Institute, and NASA Ames Research Center. Internationally recognized for his work on the history of water on Mars, on the origin of Mars’ moons, and on planning the future exploration of Mars, he has led over 30 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica to study Mars in comparison to Earth.