Mars One: Humanity's Next Great Adventure

Book excerpt: Human curiosity has led us to explore our solar system, landing on the moon and sending spacecraft to study distant planetary objects. The next step in our great adventure is putting humans on Mars, but what will it really take to achieve this? In 2011, Mars One announced its intentions to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars beginning as early as 2024; in 2013 it launched its astronaut-selection program and received thousands of applications. The highly anticipated Mars One documentary series will provide a window into the captivating details of the crew selection and training process, allowing the whole world to follow along as Mars' first settlers prepare for their mission. Now, with Mars One: Humanity's Next Great Adventure, you can step even further inside the experience of these astronaut pioneers and explore the various human dimensions of Mars One's planned expeditions. Edited by Norbert Kraft, MD, Mars One's Chief Medical Officer and head of crew selection and training, as well as crew selection and training committee members James R. Kass, PhD, and Raye Kass, PhD, this collection of essays from scientists, psychologists, and more provides a behind-the-scenes look at the process and criteria used to choose candidates, fascinating details about what they'll learn, and predictions about their future lives on Mars. Inside, you'll find in-depth discussions of: The essential skills and training the Mars One astronauts will need to journey to and then survive on Mars, from technical and medical know-how to the interpersonal skills necessary for working in confined quarters so far from home The challenges of going through the selection and training process while being watched by millions around the world, and what Mars One hopes watching the process will mean for viewers at home Inside information, including images, on the planned Mars One habitats and colonization timeline What settlers can expect on Mars, from daily work activities in a hostile environment to communication with Earth and options for leisure time The book also includes excerpts from candidate questionnaires, allowing readers to enter the minds of prospective Martians like never before.