If NASA could communicate with Mark right now, they'd tell him that communication isn't as important as survival. Luckily for everyone involved, however, Mark isn't that crazy—yet. Although he's not ready to throw caution to the wind and travel to the Ares 4 site, he really needs someone to talk to.

For many, prolonged isolation can be a one-way ticket to crazy-town. Mark never goes bonkers (luckily, they didn't bring any volleyballs along for the trip), but the possibility is a very real one.

Okay, so this one rates pretty low as far as sacrifices go, but we think it bears mentioning. Why? In our eyes, it gives a glimpse of the little ways that people have made sacrifices for the sake of Mr. Watney. Venkat is already running on fumes and he still has miles to go before the finish line. This is going to be a bumpy ride.

In our eyes, Mitch is so passionate about this because he's closer to Mark. Mitch and Mark probably hung out a fair bit: after all, Mitch in charge of the Ares 3 mission. Teddy might be able to detach himself from the situation emotionally, but Mitch doesn't have that luxury.

Super-friends to the rescue! See, NASA knows that the crew will jump at the possibility to aid in Mark's rescue—as we see later, they'll do it even without NASA's approval. Their friend is stuck on that lifeless rock, for Pete's sake, and they won't let anything stand in their way.

That's the Mark Watney that we know and love. When faced with terrifying, life-threatening situations, Mark doesn't crack up—he cracks wise. He might be losing his mind on the inside, but he's always careful to project positive vibes. In other words, he's a true mensch.

Group chemistry is important. Think about it: where would Captain Kirk be without Spock? Where would Han Solo be without Chewie? Without good friends at our side, ambitious missions like Ares 3 (or destroying the Death Star, for that matter) are all but impossible.