If you had the chance to go to Mars, would you? What if this
was your dream? The dream you’ve had since you were a child?
Your chance is here. A group of people are actually preparing for just such a
trip. A one way trip. And there lies the kicker. You would leave everything
behind—your family, your home, the world you know—to be the first inhabitants on
another planet.
Mars One plans to “establish a permanent human settlement on
Mars in 2023.” http://www.mars-one.com/en/about-mars-one/about-mars-one
Here's a rendition of what the settlement should look like in 2024 when the second group arrives.
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| Credit: Mars One / Bryan Versteeg |
This project has engendered a lot of
interest because over 78,000 people applied to go within two weeks of the
announcement back in April. First they’ll send cargo—food, supplies, equipment
to build the habitat—then the humans. Four at a time, once very two years. I can't imagine what the selection process will be, especially with so many applicants.
What would it take to set off on such an adventure? The Mars
One website has a very extensive list of qualifications. Major requirements
include resiliency, adaptability, curiosity, ability to trust, and
creativity/resourcefulness.
Periodically, I’ve blogged about pioneers and the thrill of
adventuring into space. I write about space travel, but I never really thought about all the
consequences. Like never returning to Earth. Never holding my husband, children, grandchildren again. Then there are things like once you get into the spaceship, you'll
never breathe fresh air again. Never walk through forests, swim in the
lake/ocean, feel the grass under your bare toes.
So knowing all that, would you go? They’re still taking applicants.
