We Landed on Mars, and Stayed?

Dutch company Mars One(website) plans on establishing a permanent human settlement on Mars by 2023. Ya, you probably said the same thing I did. That's only 10 years away!

So what's the difference between this mission and ones we see in movies? Well, the people who go, don't plan on returning, ever. Also, they plan on funding this project mostly through donations by having every aspect of the preparation and mission open and public to the whole world. Almost a 'Big Brother' effect. They've already done their homework about the availability of the parts needed. All supplied by private companies. No tax payers involvement. Here is the proposed 'schedule'.

2016 communication satellite/supplies will be sent to Mars
2018 planetary rover will be sent to find a suitable location
2020 living units/life support/rover and supplies will be sent
Sept 2022 humans leave earth for a 7 month journey
April 2023 land on Mars

The spacecraft the settlers will be traveling in will double as their 'home' once they land. The first crew will be made up of 4 astronauts joined by 4 more every 2 years. Want to be an astronaut? One condition, you aren't coming home.

Wow. Read more about this on their website. There's an interesting FAQ section. Questions like 'Can the astronauts have children on Mars?' It's amazing to think that only 10 years from now people may be leaving earth to head to Mars.

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