DAY 82: Destination Mars

Five years ago, if I had threatened to send my wife to Mars after a heated debate, she would have laughed it off as another one of my silly immaturities.  But last night, my warning signs were on high alert as the BBC featured an insert on Mars, calling for volunteers to participate in a one-way ticket space mission.

Needless to say, silence ensued as our eyes locked for a brief second in a nail-biting duel.  My cynical laugh proclaimed victory, while my wife’s priceless response of tossing the couch cushions forcefully in my direction revealed her defeat.

The reality of sending a team of explorers to the “red planet” has inspired thousands of hopefuls to submit their request for this one-way ticket assignment.  Successful applicants will be trained physically and psychologically.  The organising team will use existing technology for all aspects of the project.  Energy will be generated from solar panels, water will be recycled and extracted from soil and the astronauts will grow their own food – they will also have an emergency ration and regular top-ups as new explorers join every two years.

Having highlighted the ‘favourable’ living conditions, I decided to explore the matter further; according to Mars One – the Dutch organisation responsible for the space expedition, astronauts are bound to lose considerable bone and muscle mass during the seven-to-eight month journey. After spending time on Mars' much weaker gravitational field, it would be almost impossible to readjust back to Earth's stronger gravity, hence the one-way-ticket scenario.

Admittedly, the thought of losing weight drastically encourages me to swiftly complete an online application to visit this unique part of the cosmos, but the thought of alienation terrifies me.  I’ve always considered myself an extroverted individual, eager for a social climate; isolated in a new world with four strangers is hardly an incentive to send me packing.

I must profess my admiration for those select few who will embark on this voyage into the unknown.  This group of risk-takers will have to endure a “vacuum-like” atmospheric pressure, high radiation levels and varying temperatures. 

One of the doctors overseeing the entire operation, ‘reassures’ the lucky ticket-holder that their journey to Mars does not guarantee an extended survival time.  The only consolation for the astronaut is that the entire project will be televised, from the reality TV style selection process, to landing and beyond.  

On the 21 July 1969, an estimated five hundred million people worldwide watched as Neil Armstrong became the first human to step onto the moon.  It’s estimated that in 2023, fifteen years from now, billions will tune in to observe Mars One’s achievement; the publicity generated from the “Big-Brother” style televised application process reassures the first volunteers that they will not be alone, and the entire world will be watching.

Weight for me tomorrow. Paul

Paul Lambis is the author of “Where is Home?” – A journey of hilarious contrasts. 
For more information on Paul Lambis, and to order his book online,
visit www.paul-lambis.com