H G Wells wrote about people from Mars coming here to colonize us, (and annihilate) I wonder if he ever though it would be possible to go there. Mars One intends on doing that very thing. Headed by Dutch entrepreneur Bas Lansdorp, its objective is to found a permanent colony on Mars. Currently it is registered as a non-profit organisation and is supported by Nobel Prize Winner Gerard’t Hooft.

In order to cover its overhead Mars One will be a reality TV style documentary showing the astronauts journey from initial training to colonisation. If you’re looking to be the first interplanetary TV star this may be an option for you. Mars one are currently accepting applications for people to become part of their group, other than that they are excepting donations (maybe they should try a kick starter)

As of June 2012, the mission plan is as follows:

2013: The first 24 astronauts will be selected; a replica of the settlement will be built for training purposes.

2014: The first communication satellite will be produced.

2016: A supply mission will be launched during January (arriving October) with 2,500 kilograms (5,500 lb) of food in a 5 metres (16 ft) diameter variant of the SpaceX Dragon. The fallback if this is not ready in time is either to use a 3.8 metres (12 ft) Dragon or to delay by two years.

2018: An exploration vehicle will launch to pick the location of the settlement.

2021: Six additional Dragon capsules and another rover will launch with two living units, two life support units and two supply units.

2022: A SpaceX Falcon Heavy will launch with the first group of four colonists.

2023: The first colonists will arrive on Mars in a modified Dragon capsule.

2025: A second group of four colonists will arrive.

2033: The colony will reach 20 settlers.

It seems like it’s a long way, but what’s 20 years really.

If you’re thinking this is something you could do. visit their home page here, by the way this is a one way trip. During the seven-to-eight month journey, astronauts will lose bone and muscle mass. After spending time on Mars’ much weaker gravitational field, it would be next to impossible to readjust back to Earth’s much stronger gravity. So if you’re too scared to break up with you current partner or want away from your family this may be the best option for you.