system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[The Martian] What are some conspiracy theories that arose from the Ares 3 mission, and Watney's marooning and later rescue?

We already have tons of conspiracy theories today about earth, space, and the voyages to and from. What do you think are some popular conspiracy theories in the Martian universe?
gpt
The whole thing was staged for funding.  Watney was never in any real danger.  He had extra supplies and a rocket conveniently ready to go.  NASA was afraid of a lull in public support after the reality of martian exploration set in as being extremely expensive and of little actual value similar to setbacks faced by the lunar program.  By creating a human drama they were able to captivate the public interest and ensure a steady stream of funding for years to come.