Escape from Mars

In 2015 the first crewed mission to Mars launches with five astronauts, including two women. Technical problems and onboard friction create tension among the crew during the long flight to Mars. The mission aims to test life support, propulsion, and the ability to operate as a team far from Earth.

Commander Rank has recently separated from his wife, and he keeps personal distance from the crew. His cold demeanor amplifies tensions and undermines group cohesion. The personal baggage complicates decision-making during critical moments.

The Mars lander touches down 17 meters from the planned site, a near-miss that still counts as a successful arrival. The crew begins assessing the surface and handling mechanical issues. The proximity to the target site will influence subsequent mission activities.

Lia Poirier receives news that her fiancé died in a fatal icy road accident. The shock initially distracts her, but she gradually channels the grief into mission focus. She resolves to stay professional and contribute to the task at hand.

Meteorite impacts damage the lander, forcing the crew to seek shelter in a nearby cave. The bombardment lasts long enough to injure Singer. The team must assess safety and decide on next steps amid the risk from the surface.

Rank and Sergei Andropov take the Mars vehicle on an exploration into the adjacent mountains to locate raw materials and look for signs of life. The excursion tests their resolve and technical skills while exposing them to harsher terrain. The mission's survival hinges on their ability to navigate the environment.

A violent sandstorm overturns the rover, injuring both men. Andropov's spacesuit sustains a leak, draining vital oxygen. The accident creates a life-threatening situation in a remote region of Mars.

John Rank sacrifices his own oxygen supply to keep Sergei alive, reversing a fatal imbalance. The act solidifies a fragile bond between them as they endure the crisis together. The survival of at least one member becomes crucial for the rescue plans.

Lia Poirier and Bill Malone initiate a rescue mission with a replacement vehicle, navigating back to their incapacitated teammates. They locate the injured crew and bring support to help stabilize them. The operation demonstrates teamwork under extreme conditions.

Sergei survives with serious injuries, while John Rank dies from lack of oxygen. The loss deeply affects the crew and shifts the dynamic of their attempt to return home. Sergei's survival becomes pivotal for the discovery of Martian life.

Sergei points to a fluorescent rock face that reveals bioorganisms, proving life exists on Mars. This discovery validates the mission's purpose and reframes their hardships as ultimately meaningful. The anomaly offers a scientific breakthrough for Earth and Mars alike.

John Rank is buried on Mars and celebrated as a lifesaver who saved Sergei's life. His sacrifice becomes a symbol of courage for the surviving crew. The burial occurs on the Martian surface as they complete their mission planning for departure.

After a year and a half on Mars, ground control informs that there isn't enough fuel and supplies to return. Through recalculations, they determine a viable return plan, and ground control gives the green light to try a risky but possible voyage home. The crew prepares for an uncertain but hopeful departure.