Mission to Mars reality show funded by broadcast rights shortlists 1000 would-be celebs
The Mars One project founded by two Dutch entrepreneurs has whittled down 200,000 applicants to a shortlist of 1000 potential candidates to take part in a mission to Mars.
The entire mission aims to be funded by the broadcast rights of the exercise, which aims to take the form of a reality television show.
A final pool of 24 applicants will be selected.
Mars One proposes to broadcast the tests, training and final selection process.
"The challenge with 200,000 applicants is separating those who we feel are physically and mentally adept to become human ambassadors on Mars from those who are obviously taking the mission much less seriously," co-founder Bas Lansdorp said.
The 1,058 shortlisted candidates come from all over the world. 297 are from the USA.
Mars image via Shutterstock