Summary: "The Martian" has sparked much interest in the exploration of Mars recently. We discuss all the possibilities with Scott Jucha, Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, and Daniel Kraft, MD. Segment 1: The Martian There is a resurgence in human interest in space from many different organizations. Silver Ships Trilogy Author, Scott Jucha, gives us an overview of all the exciting ideas and processes that are being developed for space exploration and the effect the new Matt Damon movie, "The Martian", might have on the allure of Mars. Segment 2: It Goes Both Ways Science and science fiction have been driving each other since the days of H.G. Wells and his then fictional concept of radar. Scott Jucha explains how science fiction is pushing the boundaries that science tries to chase. Segment 3: Free Mars! One of the factors that lead to America breaking away from Britain was the distance between them. Would a Martian colony follow a similar pattern? We discuss the possibilities of an independent Mars with Scott Jucha. Segment 4: Space, Time, Gravity What is the theory of relativity all about? Science Author, Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, gives us a crash course on Einstein's Theory of Relativity, which explains space, time, gravity, and their interactions. Segment 5: Why Go To Mars? Why should we go to Mars? Could Mars form its own national identity? Dr. Jeffrey Bennett explains the benefits of space exploration, and that a Martian colony would most likely be too dependent on resources from Earth to break away and form its own government. Segment 6: Movie Science How sound is the science in movies like "The Martian"? Daniel Kraft, MD fills us in on the validity of the science in movies. Plus, get an update on the progress of his team's XPRIZE challenge, the Tricorder.
