Teleskopet

Imagine being an explorer

Imagine visiting places, where no one has been before. Imagine creating paths for everyone else. Imagine the fame that comes with it. Now, imagine this on Mars. Did you change your mind? For a 100 people, that is not the case. They have been chosen as candidates, representing the human race as astronauts, being the first to walk on Mars.

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The whole concept,

called Mars One, is founded by the two Dutchmen Bas Lansdorp and Arnso Wielder, who in 2011 discussed the possibilities of human settlements on other planets. Both being highly qualified, they began searching for donators, hardware, a full team, and everything else you need for a trip to Mars. They launched a worldwide astronaut selection program; open for anyone willing to leave Earth for the rest their lives. And more than 200.000 people said yes. As of right now, the candidates are reduced to 100 individuals, although, in the end, there will six teams of four individuals. In 2017, these 24 men and women have been picked and will begin full-time training, abandoning work and hobbies. One of these 100 participants is actually a Dane, Christian Knudsen, and is one of the biggest favourites among the Mars One team itself, and the Mars One community, where anyone can vote for their favourite.

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On Mars

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The first manned crew of four people is scheduled to land on Mars in 2027, where the outpost is already set up and made ready by a rover. The team will stay there for two years before the next team of four arrives. This way, the outpost will become a settlement, and the settlement a colony. On Mars, they will have three main tasks: research, maintenance and construction. Of course, spare time will be available; in fact, it will be just like having a job. Mars One even promises that the astronauts will be capable of doing anything indoor just like on Earth, such as watch TV, browse the internet, watch movies, read, work out in the gym, and contact friends and family on Earth.

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Technical issues?

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The Mars One project has been a target for a many complaints and controversy. They have been both praised and mocked for their curiosity and ambition, because many people claim that their budget on 6 billion US dollars is a far underscore, saying it could run up to 100 billion $.

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Is it necessary?

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The one question that comes to mind when hearing about this gigantic project is perhaps: why? Why would you use this much money on a mission, that by scientific estimation is most likely to fail at some point? Should we even strive to leave Earth this desperately? Another thing that concerns people is the side project. The Mars One crew will be filmed every hour of their life and broadcast to Earth. Yes, as a reality TV show. Therefore, we will soon have a reality show that takes place on Mars. So is this just a PR stunt? Some people even claim it is a hoax, but if this is highly unlikely.

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Human evolution is probably inevitable. However, this turn of tides is highly controversial. We, as a human race, need to understand that not everything is for us to take. Not everything is our property, just waiting for us to come. I would like to end with these words from a most beloved movie, Jurassic Park, spoken by eccentric
Dr. Ian Malcolm:

“Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, that they didn’t stop to think if they should.”