Astronaut requirements for Mars mission released - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Trust might be the key ingredient for people who want to be among the first to attempt a one-way trip to Mars.

The foundation that plans to eventually create a permanent human settlement on Mars has released requirements for people who want to apply to be mission astronauts.

It plans to start a global selection process this year and turn it into a reality TV show to help pay for the $6 billion project.

It claims that candidates will receive at least eight years of extensive training as Mars One employees.  Unlike previous space programs, it is not looking for pilots or other specific skill sets.

Mars One says that applicants need to be at least 18 years of age, have a deep sense of purpose, willingness to build and maintain healthy relationships, the capacity for self-reflection and ability to trust.

The requirements also include the ability to be resilient, adaptable, curious, creative and resourceful.  The organization says all of the skills required on Mars will be learned while in training.

"Well before the official Astronaut Selection Program, we received more than one thousand emails from individuals who desire to go to Mars," says Suzanne Flinkenflögel of Mars One.  "While they may not yet realize the incredible challenges that lay ahead, this show of support for a global selection campaign is so important to us."The group plans simulation bases on Earth before humans head to Mars.

Non-human cargo missions are planned to begin starting in 2016 to send equipment to the red planet.

The organization says the final astronauts will be selected by Mars One experts and a global, televised program which will ultimately selects four astronauts from those assembled will be the first to go to Mars.

Norbert Kraft, former Sr. Research Associate at NASA and Chief Medical Director for Mars One states: "Gone are the days when bravery and the number of hours flying a supersonic jet were the top criteria. Now, we are more concerned with how well each astronaut works and lives with the others, in the long journey from Earth to Mars and for a lifetime of challenges ahead."

The plan would be to establish a habitable settlement that would receive new astronauts every two years.

The group claims that existing technology would make it feasible.  Mars One estimates the trip would take seven months.