78,000 people apply for a one-way ticket to Mars!

Would you Move to Mars?

The opportunity to travel to Mars is certainly a once in a lifetime offer. More so if you're accepted to the Mars One project: the journey is a one-way ticket, requiring you to spend the rest of your life on the Red Planet. But the prospect of permanent colonization millions of miles from earth isn't thwarting the hopeful, reports Time. Almost 80,000 people have applied for the chance in just two weeks.

Image Source: Mars One

The ambitious Mars One project plans to establish a human colony on the surface of Mars by 2023. The group began taking applications through its site recently, and expects to receive half a million entrants by the time the application window closes in August. Mars One doesn't require hopeful astronauts to have specialized skills to make a video and apply.

"I love thrills," says one U.S. applicant named Katie. "I've been working at an amusement park for a few years. So, that's pretty much one of my favorite things."
But unlike an amusement park ride, there's no stepping out of the attraction and returning to normal life. According to Mars One, the colony will live in six pod-like structures, building greenhouses to sustain life on a crushingly inhospitable planet.

"Because our astronauts are likely to spend the rest of their lives on Mars it follows that they will probably pass away there as well," reads the Mars One site. "When that day comes there will be a memorial service and cremation ceremony, just like customs on Earth dictate."

Image Source: Mars One

The group needs to raise $6 billion to put four people on Mars; definitely a significant hurtle. Mars One is seeking funding through a number of channels, including donations, merchandise, and plans to create a reality show documenting the seven-year training of the astronauts. As of April 29, the project has raised $84,121.

This is an interesting story figured I would share with you guys. Remember to stop by GameNTrade.com for all your video game needs. It will be a long space flight so be sure to get something interesting to do.

-Chris Taylor
GameNTrade.com