I had to check the date this week when I read about a project asking for volunteers to go and live on Mars – was it April 1 or the year 3000?
The story on the BBC website was not a hoax, nor had I somehow moved into the future! There really is a Dutch project called Mars One, which will be opening up to applicants very soon.
Apparently thousands of people have already expressed an interest in taking the one-way trip to Mars, although no date has yet been set.
Those chosen to take part would be trained physically and psychologically but would not be able to return to Earth, as their bodies would be unable to adjust to the stronger gravity after spending time on Mars.
The Mars One plan is to set up a community on the planet. The settlers would live in special domes and use technology to provide food and water. The whole process would be televised in reality show style.
Professor Gerard ‘t Hooft, ambassador for the project, told the BBC: “”They [the applicants] will be told that there are risks, but it will be our responsibility to keep the risks within acceptable odds.”
Nasa astronaut Stan Love expressed his concern about the project however. He pointed out after a trip to Antarctica: “It’s full of water (in Antarctica), you can go outside and breathe the air. It’s paradise compared to Mars and yet nobody has moved there permanently.”
The whole idea does seem slightly ludicrous but then, of course, so did travelling to the Moon at one point in time. Further space exploration is not going to take place unless we push the boundaries.
I admit I will be watching the show if it does happen!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22146456