A theme in The Martian that is heavily focused on is isolation. I wanted to spotlight this and the fact that he is missing by cutting out the focus of the cover. The only thing around the scientist-turned-astronaut is space, overlayed with a mathematical grid. As well, Mark Watney’s journey comes to an end when he is reconnected to his astronaut team in a dangerous plot to meet outside of Mars’ atmosphere. The rescuing team uses an orange strap to secure him and pull him in, I wanted to have the support of the book- the spine, be this strap.