There is no mention of the Hub light in the source novel; there, the Hub transmits a homing signal that can be picked up by a suit or a rover. Watney uses this signal when returning with Pathfinder.

The only reason I can think comes from Kyle Jones' comment. It could be possible that the signal transmitted by Hub might not be "visible" during a storm, while a light would. This is not very likely though, as the Hub's signal was capable of transmitting as far as 100 km (at very best), or 40 km (normal range).

Your last line is basically correct - there is no reason whatsoever for the Hub to have this searchlight. Other than Ridley Scott's genius, I suppose.

There is no mention of the HAB light in the source novel; there, the HAB transmits a homing signal that can be picked up by a suit or a rover. Watney uses this signal when returning with Pathfinder.

The only reason I can think comes from Kyle Jones' comment. It could be possible that the signal transmitted by HAB might not be "visible" during a storm, while a light would. This is not very likely though, as the HAB's signal was capable of transmitting as far as 100 km (at very best), or 40 km (normal range).

Your last line is basically correct - there is no reason whatsoever for the HAB to have this searchlight. Other than Ridley Scott's genius, I suppose.

There is no mention of the Hub light in the source novel; there, the Hub transmits a homing signal that can be picked up by a suit or a rover. Watney uses this signal when returning with Pathfinder.

Your last line is basically correct - there is no reason whatsoever for the Hub to have this searchlight. Other than Ridley Scott's genius, I suppose.

There is no mention of the Hub light in the source novel; there, the Hub transmits a homing signal that can be picked up by a suit or a rover. Watney uses this signal when returning with Pathfinder.

The only reason I can think comes from Kyle Jones' comment. It could be possible that the signal transmitted by Hub might not be "visible" during a storm, while a light would. This is not very likely though, as the Hub's signal was capable of transmitting as far as 100 km (at very best), or 40 km (normal range).

Your last line is basically correct - there is no reason whatsoever for the Hub to have this searchlight. Other than Ridley Scott's genius, I suppose.