New Reality Show Launches Contestants on One-Way Trip to Mars

It's not immediately clear why an entrepreneur would envision such a revolutionary idea, as we will explore in this article: 40 individuals are set to embark on a one-way trip to Mars without the possibility of returning to Earth. Who would even join such a project? Believe it or not, and as crazy as it may sound, over 200,000 people have submitted their applications, expressing a strong desire to participate. However, only 40 will be selected.

"Anyone who needs to hear birds singing in the morning or feel the wind in their hair will never be able to join our project and be part of establishing a settlement on Mars," says Bas Lansdorp, the Dutch entrepreneur behind the project, who is also overseeing its implementation. "Our requirements differ greatly from any normal engagement one might undertake on Earth because these people are going to stay there for the rest of their lives."

Bas Lansdorp, the project's entrepreneur

According to Lansdorp, he initially thought executing such a project would take a few good decades. However, once an organization committed to making the program happen within 10 years, the process accelerated. Application forms were distributed across various global platforms. Now, all that's left is to find the most suitable candidates and commence their training.

The project will send 40 people on a one-way flight to Mars to establish a human settlement and test human adaptability to life on another planet.

During their training, which will essentially begin in the coming months, participants will learn survival skills, such as growing their own food, fixing broken equipment, administering medical care if needed, and more.

'Mars One' - the name of the one-way project to Mars

Since the appropriate technology hasn't been found yet, the only thing participants will not be able to do is return to Earth and their 'human' way of life. While many view the project as a 'social suicide,' hundreds have already filled out the online application form. "It's quite amusing to read people's reasons for wanting to leave Earth," shares Lansdorp.

Concept of future settlers' homes on Mars

Proposed living and sleeping quarters

"It's not because I don't love life on Earth," wrote 20-year-old Wim Dickshorn, who applied to the project. "I signed up because the idea of starting a new society and a different kind of life on another planet excites me. My parents' reactions were mixed—my father understands my curiosity, but my mother was a bit upset that I filled out the form. 'You only live once in this world, so why not live a full life like everyone else who was here before you,' she told me."

The training for this unique mission will last 10 years and will be filmed as part of a reality show documenting the astronauts' lives before their launch. The first spacecraft, with the initial crew of four, is expected to land on Martian soil in 2025. Subsequently, a new team of four will depart every two years.

"To me, this project is about 'changing the world,'" concludes Lansdorp, adding, "Imagine living here while human life exists on Mars. It's unfathomable and exciting all at once."

During the training period, settlers will learn how to grow their own food