You and Astrodude (or you can just play as Astrodude) have crashed upon The Iris's surface in a failed mission.. You two are fine for now. 
Astrodude is pretty anxious right now. Especially about his wife and son. (Astrowife his his wife's name, I forgot his son's-)
The Iris, though a planet and you on its surface, can also be a "human" too. the planet, it, could be active, but at the same time walk around on himself or anywhere in a humanoid shape. 
If The Iris finds you, god bless your souls. 