Ever wondered what it’d be like to live in another planet? While the Curiosity rover continues its research on whether the planet can sustain human life, a not-for-profit organization is already seeking applicants to be part of the first human colony in the Red Planet. Interestingly, the offer is open to anyone from all walks of life.
Mars One, as the project is called, is a decade-long endeavour to establish a human settlement in Mars in the year 2023. Funding the project is via sponsors, donations, sales of merchandise, and the project’s connection with the Interplanetary Media Group (IMG), who holds the exclusive rights to use the mission to generate revenue. Every aspect of this mission will be televised to the world, even when the selected astronauts begin their life in Mars – essentially making this one of, if not the most ambitious reality TV series ever made.
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On the other hand, media interest is necessary to generate buzz surrounding the project to secure enough funding for this private project, led by Bas Lansdorp, a Dutch entrepreneur. The project is purely a scientific endeavour and showcase the “power of a united humanity”. In this vein, Mars One is accepting applications from anyone around the world to be part of the pioneer Martian settlement. While no academic qualifications are necessary, Mars One are looking for certain traits in the selected applicants, such as resiliency, adaptability, curiosity and resourcefulness. In addition, normal physical and mental health standards also apply. It must also be said that this is a one-way trip: selected applicants will not return to Earth upon landing in Mars.
Finally, this ambitious project is also backed by some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, such as Nobel Prize winner Prof. Dr. Gerard ‘t Hooft as well as Chairman of the Netherlands Space Society Gerard Blaauw, PhD. In addition, our very own astronaut Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is also an ambassador for Mars One.
To find out more about Mars One, head on to the official website here, or join in the community via its Facebook page here.
