The project Mars-One involves the colonization of Mars in 10 years. Even if the project brings to mind a science fiction movie, is quite real, and already more than 200,000 volunteers have joined the list; only 24 will be chosen to go in 2024.
Most people would not bear a life without friends and family, because it’s a new and harsh environment. However, for some, the travel and life on Mars would be the fulfillment of a dream of a lifetime. The project will provide a unique opportunity for those who dream as the old explorers did.
The project itself presume the colonization of the red planet in 2024. The first time will leave only 4 people, and then at every 2 years one group get there. Settlers should live in some specially designed buildings. At first they will eat supplies from Earth, eventually reaching to form a community of their own. For this to be possible, their food will be grown indoors with leds light and using hydroponic techniques that do not need soil.
The water would be extracted directly from the Mars ground which is in the form of ice. From this H2O may be extracted oxygen, and nitrogen could come directly from the Mars atmosphere .
With all the good and interesting parts of the project, there is something that can not be changed once started. Once there, if someone changes their mind, there is nothing to do because at the moment there is no possibility to return from the red planet.
Therefore, the key to success of such missions is the extent to which prospective settlers realize that there is no turning back.
At the end of the 19 weeks in which could carry the entries, were gathered about 202. 586 volunteers. The only requirement was the minimum age of 18. At the end of 2013 those selected were announced, and over the next two years only 24 finalists will remain. Will then follow nine years of intensive training.
A part of the training program is to resident in an environment that simulates life on Mars for 3 months each year, where participants will live in harsh places with limited access to the outside world, and that forcing them to interact only with eachother.
They will be subjected to various tests after which it will determine whether participants can maintain control while being able to work alongside their colleagues. For this reason, the most important quality sought in candidates is compatibility. Moreover, they not only need to understand one another, but to supplement each other, as on Mars is to survive and to work as a team.
Volunteers came from all over the world, being attended the representatives of 140 countries, out of which a quarter are american citizens and 10% Indians. Moreover, through the selection process successfully passed a romanian woman too, Manuela Kapiliotou, of 43 years, studying analytical chemistry in Cyprus; mother of two children, she will leave her family behind to be among the few astronauts who will make history.
Is not needed a degree in advanced science and neither one in medicine. Whatever their occupation was until then, some of those selected will receive intensive medical training being taught how to treat a wide range of diseases, including those of the mission engagement. The rest will be prepared depending on what they will need to do in the new colony; from the repair of electrical installations to indoor cultures cultivation.
Flight itself will last between 7 and 8 months depending on the relative positions of Earth and Mars. Astronauts will spend time in a very limited space, they’ll wash with wet wipes, will eat canned food and will have to do physical exercises for 3 hours each day.
Once arrived, the astronauts will spend time in private rooms and common area. If they want to leave the settlement, will have to wear special suits.
In the following years the project must face challenges at both the technical and the funds. At the moment, there has not been chosen the spaceship or rocket that will go into space and estimated costs of sending the first team get somewhere to 6 billion dollars and another 4 billion for each team that will follow.
The group began to raise money by charging a entry fee on the lists were would be elected the settlers, fee that was between 5 and 75 dollars depending on the country of origin. It also hopes to raise funds from the show that will follow the selection process and then the training of those selected.
Where everything is conducted in accordance with the desired and the settlers are able to adapt, the project makers aim to achive another show in which to be presented the everyday life of the “Martians”.
