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INTRO: If you had the chance to go to Mars, would you do it even if you could never come back? The Dutch non-profit Mars One plans to fly four astronauts to the Red Planet in 2023 to start a permanent human settlement. And you don’t have to be a trained scientist to go. Already thousands of people have submitted videos saying why they deserve a one-way ticket. Here’s what they’re saying:
VIDEO: I have been dreaming of a moment like this my entire life.
I would like to go to Mars…
I would like to go to Mars…
…because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
…because I like adventure
I want to go to another planet.
That’s the cowboy side in me.
There’s no doubt- the crew that’s chosen will live and die together on Mars. I spoke with Emily Lakdawalla, Senior Editor of the Planetary Society. She explained why when you go to Mars, you stay there.

