🌍 Alpha 1: Questions from Earth
Posted: Sol 184 / Year 2040
Location: Alpha Base, Mars
Martian Scientific Authority (MSA)
❓Question from Le Monde (France):
“Pierre Girard, what was the first thing that went through your mind when you realized the Hab had landed safely?”
Pierre Girard (Commander):
I remember gripping the seat rails and listening for silence. When the engines cut and the landing tone played, it felt like the entire world paused. My first thought was: We’re still here. And now we belong to this place. There wasn’t joy immediately — just awe. Then came the emotion.
❓Question from La Repubblica (Italy):
“Maria Dicello, what did it feel like stepping out onto the Martian surface?”
Maria Dicello (Hab Systems Engineer):
It was like walking into a dream I’ve had for years. You expect fear, maybe, but I felt calm — grounded, even though Mars has less gravity. The dust was softer than I expected. We were trained not to rush, but I wanted to touch the soil. And planting the olive branch — that was a moment of pure humanity.
❓Question from China Global Times:
“What was your first priority after landing?”
Jianyu Chu (Mobility Systems Specialist):
Structural checks. Always. We had to be sure the Hab was sealed, level, and safe. While we were still suited, we verified air pressure, life support stability, and external ports. It’s not glamorous, but safety is the foundation for everything else.
❓Question from The Guardian (UK):
“Dr. Kobayashi, what surprised you most about the Martian atmosphere?”
Dr Kobayashi (Atmospheric Scientist):
The sky. From orbit, you know it’s not blue — but from the ground, it has a copper glow that changes with elevation and dust movement. The atmosphere is thin, but still alive. I’ve spent years modelling its behaviour. Seeing it in real time is overwhelming.
❓Question from the Washington Post (USA):
“David Martel, what do you miss most from Earth?”
David Martel (Surface Systems Lead):
Honestly? The sound of rain. And shared meals. We eat together here too, but it’s different — quiet, focused. Back home, food brought people together. But I’m grateful. Every moment here has meaning. Every task has a story behind it.
❓Question from Izvestia (Russia):
“Dr. Baturin, what are your first impressions of the local geology?”
Dr Nikolay Baturin (Geologist):
I’m looking at a 4-billion-year-old world through the window. The rock layers are readable — not just by instrument, but by the eye. Our landing zone shows fluvial erosion and volcanic deposition side by side. I can’t wait to start mapping. Mars is ready to tell its story — slowly, in stone.
❓Question from NHK (Japan):
“How are you maintaining your mental health so far from home?”
Pierre Girard:
We check in with each other daily. We’re six individuals, but we’ve become a team with shared rhythms. We play music, we laugh — Kobayashi even brought us a Mars-themed card game. And we write. That helps.