Video: The Martian’s Matt Damon and NASA’s journey to Mars

Directed by Ridley Scott, The Martian is based on a best-selling novel by Andy Weir. Check out this Q& A with Matt Damon, Ridley Scott, Andy Weir, NASA’s Dr. Jim Green & Astronaut Drew Feustel at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Headquarters.

NASA’s The Martian day included a NASA Mars Program presentation from Dr. Jim Green (head of NASA’s Planetary Science Division). Dr. Green advised Ridley Scott on set of The Martian, which NASA says is the most scientifically accurate film that they have ever worked on. NASA also promoted its own strategy and plan for sending humans to Mars in the 2030s. A showcase of NASA’s Mars technology, including the SLS, was presented to the press.

Filmmakers also gave a glimpse at the first 40 minutes of the movie. From what I can tell, the adaptation does a good job of telling Mark’s story through log voice-overs/Go-Pro cameras and balancing that with the NASA bells and whistles. The fast pacing is a pleasant surprise as I initially pictured long montages/time lapses of passing Sols, but the movie kept my attention.

The world will be watching. Bring him home (in theaters) on October 22.