Daily Talker: Would You Take A One-Way Trip To Mars?
Two scientists from Somerville are on the short list to take a one-way trip to Mars.
The non-profit group "Mars One" is planning a human settlement on the red planet, and 200,000 people from around the world applied to make the trip. Scientific researcher Yari Rodriguez is one of the 700 finalists.
"It's like doing a science project with yourself," said Rodriguez. "It's definitely important for humanity."
Chris Patil is another Somerville scientist who is on the Mars 1 shortlist, and admits friends and family ask if he's crazy to want to go to Mars, and never come back.
"There is no substitute for a human scientist on the ground, on Mars, looking with their eyes, touching with their hands," said Patil.
Mars One hopes to send a communications satellite in 2018, followed by a crew of four people by 2023. The non-profit is in the process of raising $6 billion for the project.
Would you be willing to give up your life on Earth to go to Mars? What would you miss the most? Share your comments below, and watch for them on WBZ News in the Morning from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m.