BBC News reports that a Dutch organization, Mars One, will open applications for a one-way trip to Mars. They’ve already received thousands of applications despite the lack of return fare.
Future explorers take note. Applicants must be resilient, adaptable, resourceful and must work well within a team. The whole project will be televised, from the reality TV style selection process, to landing and beyond.
Here’s why it’s a one way flight:
Successful applicants will be trained physically and psychologically. The team will use existing technology for all aspects of the project. Energy will be generated from solar panels, water will be recycled and extracted from soil and the astronauts will grow their own food – they will also have an emergency ration and regular top-ups as new explorers join every two years.
That doesn’t sound great. Plus, applicants need to be ready for some nasty solar winds, no liquid water, radiation exposure, a vacuum-like atmosphere, and LOTS of digging.
This isn’t sounding like a fun trip.
“I have no doubt that we could physically place a human being on Mars. Whether they’d be able to survive for an extended period of time is much more doubtful,” adds Dr Bray.
I’m tough. After all, I’ve been to Vegas. But I’m having definite second thoughts on this trip. I think I’ll just pop some corn and watch the adventure on television.
