The author of the egg, Andy Weir, recently wrote a full-length novel (The Martian). The book started with Mr. Weir planning a series of mars missions, thinking

The author of the egg, Andy Weir, recently wrote a full-length novel (The Martian). The book started with Mr. Weir planning a series of mars missions, thinking about possible emergencies and what equipment should be sent to handle those contingencies. Eventually this turned into a story. It's not really like the egg at all, but I enjoyed it a lot.