Inside the Gigantic Operation to Meet Astronauts Coming Home

There’s an ocean of space between low-Earth orbit and the dunes of Mars. And there’s a galaxy of truth between the real-world experiences of space station crew members Scott Kelly, Misha Kornienko and Sergei Volkov, and the made-up story of astronaut Mark Watney in the blockbuster book and movie The Martian. But there’s something powerful, and wonderful, they share. “Every human being has a basic instinct—to help each other out,” says the voiceover in the movie’s trailer. “If a hiker gets lost in the woods, people coordinate a search. If an earthquake levels the city, people all over the world send emergency supplies. This instinct is found in every culture. Without exception.” More

(Source: TIME - Mar 1)