Johannesburg - Since Dutch company Mars One announced its intention to put mankind on the Red Planet in 2023, nearly 80 000 people from around the world have applied for this no-return mission. Kristen van Schie takes a look at some of the handful South Africans who have signed up – so far.
More risks, rewards
Joburger Xabiso Gxoyiya, 23: “I know there are risks out there, but I've always believed the more risks, the more reward.”
http://applicants.mars-one.com/profile/39caa53d-5e63-4711-925f-0dacf1669635
Making an impact
Engineering student Richard, 19, adds, “I have this terrible fear that I’ll be stuck behind a desk all my life and never have an impact on history at all. And I really want to have an impact. On history, that is. Not on the surface of Mars.”
http://applicants.mars-one.com/profile/400e56e2-4dba-438e-8756-27b6dcd9c864
The Stereotype
IT guy Johan Viljoen, 28, says it would be a “major dream come true to be able to live among the stars and to start a new community from scratch”.
His inspiration? Babylon 5. Battlestar Galactica. And Star Trek, “obviously,” he says.
http://applicants.mars-one.com/profile/88510cc3-978e-402e-8093-ae7a94fb5be6
The Wise Elder
The oldest South African applicant is also the only South African woman who’s signed up so far. Hester Mende, 65, also makes the strongest case for being the ideal candidate. Retired with no kids, and blessed with good health, she says: “My experience is likely to be useful during difficult situations.”
http://applicants.mars-one.com/profile/eb1570d8-a63d-4815-9372-2fa566757804
The Sacrificial Lamb
Want to know about Mars but not sure about giving up “family, friends and future” to make this one-way trip? Dominic, 21-year-old quasi-student, says: “If you want to know what it’s like living on Mars but don’t want to go there for the rest of your life, send me. “I’ll go to Mars so you don’t have to.”
http://applicants.mars-one.com/profile/ca4a0282-172d-4d50-b2b3-60853c382b41
Minimal contact
Medical biosciences first-year Dario, 18.
“Cold, isolated, vast deserts and minimal human contact,” he reads. “Most people would shudder at this very thing. I, however, am able to embrace it.”
http://applicants.mars-one.com/profile/a38cdaba-0446-42d8-87c8-badde66966c6
Bushbaby Edwin, 19
“In my line of work … I’ve learnt how to live in seclusion without family or friends close to me.”
http://applicants.mars-one.com/profile/4c0222a7-e80c-40e5-9e75-aaff835d5015
“Stop The Earth!”
Sometimes an application is less about there and more about here.
Quoting sci-fi animated show Futurama, 30-year-old Kobus says: “I don’t want to live on this planet anymore. Not because I hate Earth, but because our future is among the stars.”
http://applicants.mars-one.com/profile/79beb79e-28b0-48bc-b9e9-1932dcb4fb82
World citizen
Ashley Burricks, 23, currently living in Russia.
“When Christopher Columbus looked at the ocean, he saw possibility, and now we have America. When I look at the sky, I see possibility. Who knows what we’ll have next.”
http://applicants.mars-one.com/profile/5fb0a7e2-8679-42a5-bd8d-6fd04f73d7c2
Into battle
Advanced driving instructor Donovan Taylor, 26.
“I’d like to be the one who’s sent into battle to face the unknown head-on.”
http://applicants.mars-one.com/profile/ea691d72-cf6c-4562-a83e-fd23c6f5015d
How do they choose the astronauts?
Getting picked for the Mars One mission is a multi-part, on-air process.
1. “Mars One experts” trawl through the tens of thousands of online applications and decide who proceeds to round two.
2. Candidates need to get medical statements of good health before being interviewed by a Mars One rep in their region.
3. The nation gets to choose: in each country, applicants face challenges in a reality TV-type setting before viewers cast their votes. The viewers choose one applicant; Mars One chooses another.
4. The final batch of candidates will be pitted against each other on international TV as they’re sent off to live in harsh conditions mimicking what they may face on Mars.
5. Six groups of four people each – that’s 24 people in total – are selected as Mars One astronauts and begin their training.
How do I apply?
Visit apply.mars-one.com. You’ll first have to register and then submit a one-minute application video answering why you want to go to Mars, what’s your sense of humour, and what makes you the ideal candidate. You’ll also have to pay an application fee.
Mars One is looking for applicants in good health, with blood pressure not exceeding 140/90 and standing at between 157 and 190 cm tall. You also have to be at least 18 years old to apply. There’s no upper age limit. Applications close in August. - The Star