[JesexhiSeeces]

By Rob Waugh: 08:57 GMT, 4 June 2012

An independent space launch company aims to put four people on Mars by April 2023 - and the team will not be coming back.
Mars One claims that a new crew of four will join every two years as the explorers build their settlement, and that by 2033 there
will be 20 people living on Mars.

The company has been in talks with independent space suppliers such as Space X, which recently launched the first privately owned
rocket to the Space Station.



The Dutch company is backed by a Nobel prize winning physicist, Gerard 't Hooft - and also by Paul Romer, co-creator of Big Brother.

The company aims to start training astronauts next year - and will turn the selection and training programme into a 'media event'
similar to a reality show.

'We see this as a journey that belongs to us all, and it is for this reason that we will make every step one that we take together,'
says the company.



'This will also be our way to finance the mission: the mission to Mars will be the biggest media event ever!

'The entire world will be able to watch and help with decisions as the teams of settlers are selected, follow their extensive training
and preparation for the mission and of course observe their settling on Mars once arrived. The emigrated astronauts will share their
experiences with us as they build their new home, conduct experiments and explore Mars.'

Mars One's plan has been in development since 2011.

[JonDopl]

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