"The Martian" is contemporary not only because it was written in 2001, but for these two reasons as well.
Reason number 1 is the book has contemporary science in it that scientists use today. It is easy to understand, and I learned a lot from the story by reading the science in the book. For example, you can burn hydrogen and create water to drink and grow potatoes.
Reason number 2 is the language of the book. The language is easy to understand, and it is what people say and hear, today. This makes it easier for the reader to connect with and follow the story line.
