Mars One: Colonizing the Red Planet
By: Sumani Nunna 2A
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet in our solar system. It has long been known as "The Red Planet" and has been the favorite setting of many science fiction films. Recently, Mars' proximity to the Sun has been the research topic of some scientists. They are investigating the similar properties it has to the Earth, like polar ice caps and the possibility of water on Mars. Water and adequate sunlight are the building blocks of life, implying that scientists are investigating life on Mars. Even with rovers roaming the Red Planet and enthusiastic science fiction theories, we can't know anything for sure. Which is why Mars One has been created.
What is Mars One?
Mars One is a Dutch not-for-profit foundation that is establishing a permanent human settlement on Mars. They plan to colonize Mars using inflatable living pods. This will be (what Mars One hopes) an effective communication outpost. In the coming years, rovers, cargo missions, and communication satellites will be sent to the outpost.
What Happens on the Mission?
During the mission, astronauts will explore mars and carry out missions given by Earth. They will be science-based, exploring properties of the planet, possible life on the planet, etc. This mission is a one-way ticket. If you go up, there is no return.
Who Goes Up?
The astronauts on this mission are not astronauts. They are normal people from all around the world. Each applicant was required to meet health and fitness standards and submit a video application. There were over 200,000 applications! Mars One whittled this down to 706 applicants for personal interviews. The remaining group of applicants should be prepared to undergo 8 years of training for the mission! Mars One plans on going into space in 2023. Scroll the video below to 5:30 and watch it until 8:35 for more information about the Mars One mission.
June 2, 2014 - CNN Student News with subtitles