Approaching the Unknown 2016

Captain William Stanaforth embarks on a one-way solo mission to Mars, marking a pivotal moment in humanity’s quest to colonize the red planet. As the world tunes in, he finds himself entirely alone aboard the spacecraft. Following liftoff and the necessary rocket separations, Stanaforth removes his suit to unwind, while ground control sets him on a 270-day trajectory toward his destination.

Through a series of flashbacks, we uncover the brilliant mind behind the mission. Stanaforth ingeniously devises a method to create water (H2O) by supercompressing sand and combining the extracted hydrogen and oxygen. This groundbreaking synthesis is crucial for the success of the mission.

However, a malfunction in Stanaforth’s water generation system complicates his journey. Rather than adhering to the protocols that would have him return to Earth, he bravely takes manual control of the spacecraft, making the bold decision to press on towards Mars. His vessel becomes ensnared by a vast nebula, and in a moment of introspection narrated through a poignant voiceover, Stanaforth reflects on the essence of matter and the universe. He confesses, > “This is why I came here. To give everything up. For one moment of pure wonder.” In a striking visual, he is seen in his spacesuit, preparing to exit the craft.

The narrative then shifts abruptly to Stanaforth, now clean-shaven and readying himself for Martian landing. Stepping onto the barren soil of Mars, he muses, “Nothing has ever lived here. Nothing has even died here. Maybe I’ll live forever.” His journey encapsulates the essence of exploration and the profound solitude that comes with venturing into the unknown.