The synergy between NASA and The Martian -- which enjoyed the second biggest opening ever in the month of October this past weekend -- seems unprecedented. The former's YouTube channel has been filled lately with videos promoting or otherwise linked to the new sci-fi movie, which seems fair since the movie is in part a big commercial for its space program.
Those YouTube videos are divided into two varieties. There are more direct promos featuring the cast of The Martian interviewing or being interviewed by astronauts and actors taking a tour of Johnson Space Center. And then there is the indirectly linked series titled "Real Martians Moments" (also hosted on NASA's own website, where you can find great articles on the authentic technologies featured in the movie). These videos cover the actual science and possibility of going to Mars.
Below are a handful of examples we think are worth checking out.
The Director and Cast of The Martian Interview Two Astronauts Currently in Space
Ridley Scott, Matt Damon, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara and Michael Pena each got to ask current International Space Station crew members Commander Scott Kelly (now halfway through a special year-long mission) and Flight Engineer Kjell Lindgren. Chastain asks the best question, of course.
Astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson Interviews Jessica Chastain
While some of these videos make it seem like the stars of The Martian waited until the movie was done to ask questions of NASA personnel, here Chastain acknowledges being able to research her role with real-life astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson. Then Caldwell Dyson interviews Chastain about playing an astronaut.
The Martian Stars Tour Johnson Space Center
They're not the biggest names in The Martian, but cast members Sebastian Stan and Mackenzie Davis got to tour Johnson Space Center, where they also participated in a discussion of the movie (see all that below). The two actors got to also interview, at greater length, ISS occupants Kelly and Lindgren from the place most associated with talking to astronauts on a mission (watch that here).
One Hour of NASA Addressing the Science of The Martian
Who needs the stamp of approval from Neil deGrasse Tyson when even more authoritative people are willing to comment on the portrayal of NASA and what their mission to Mars would be like? The agency held a long event to launch "The Real Martians" and let multiple scientists comment on how much the movie gets right. The video also features an appearance from Andy Weir, author of the book the movie is based on, which NASA personnel had already been in love with.
The Seemingly Gross But Practical Way to Keep Astronauts Stocked with Water
You might notice there's a lot of reference to space shuttle bathrooms as well as uses for astronauts' waste in these videos. It may be surprising that in The Martian Matt Damon's marooned character never thinks or has a way to recycle his own urine or sweat into drinking water. Well, here's NASA engineer Jennifer Pruitt to tell us about the real urine processor.
