"If I Die on Mars"

Mars One is a privately funded one-way mission to the planet Mars set to launch sometime near 2024. Yes that's right; they will never return to Earth...ever. The goal is to send up supplies and a living quarters a few years before the first manned mission, and then send subsequent manned missions every 4 years. In order to fund the endeavor, Mars One plans to film the entire process and make into one of the most revolutionary reality television series in history. Viewers can tune into the preparation process, journey to the red planet, and life after landing. The organization still has a long way to go, and they currently do not possess a launch system or spacecraft capable of the year long journey and harsh solar conditions. However, Mars One has continued to recruit its first four astronauts from all over the world.

The Gaurdian met up with three of the 660 finalists and asked them, "what if you die on Mars?" Ryan, from the UK, is a very logical and intelligent finalist. Yes, he's a virgin. Sex will be strictly forbidden on the Mars One mission. With limited supplies and space, only the permitted amount of astronauts will be sustainable. Dina, an immigrant from Iraq, claims that she wants to escape and prove to her conservative Islamic family that she is capable of greatness outside of traditional Islamic customs. Lastly, Jeremias struggles with his family's sense of loss. These four brave men and women will never be seen again. They will be alive (hopefully), but will never have direct contact with family, friends, or even Earth for the rest of their lives.

I worry about the three finalists that The Gaurdian chose in this short film. They all seem to be fine with dying. Not dying on Mars, just dying. I don't think this is a good thing. I also worry about the selection process of Mars One. NASA does a very good job of selecting their astronauts, especially the ones who leave footsteps where no one has stepped before. I think Mars One has great intentions, but I don't think it will happen before NASA has a chance to send man there first. Check out the YouTube video and let me know what you think.