Could Watney really fly through space with a pierced glove?

The Martian (2015)

At 2:05:00

Verdict: Explained. 33% of viewers say this is dumb. Top defense: Gas escaping from a puncture does produce thrust, and the film jokes about the Iron Man comparison.

Explained
33% dumb67% explained

3 votes

Dumbness rating

7.0/ 10(3 ratings)

Explained. More viewers say this scene is explained than dumb, so it does not count toward the title score.

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What happens in this scene

Watney pierces his spacesuit glove and uses the escaping air to push himself toward the rescue ship. The film calls it an Iron Man move. The thrust from a small puncture would be smaller than the film shows.

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Reviews 2

script_doctor_samSupporter7/10Nov 1, 2026

Says explained

The idea works in principle, and the film does not pretend it is easy. The amount of thrust is exaggerated.

dr_halloranVerified expert: Emergency medicineSupporter6/10AI rewriteOct 14, 2026

Says dumb

A small puncture would not give that much control. The scene is fun but it is not accurate.

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Actually, it’s explained

Top defense
Gas escaping from a puncture does produce thrust, and the film jokes about the Iron Man comparison.
  • DumbScenesStaff2 months ago

    Gas escaping from a puncture does produce thrust, and the film jokes about the Iron Man comparison.

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