Over 20,000 people applied to take a one-way trip to Mars, and the company Mars One has now narrowed that pool down to only 1058 people.
"We're extremely appreciative and impressed with the sheer number of people who submitted their applications. However, 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. We even had a couple of applicants submit their videos in the nude!" Mars One co-founder Bas Lansdorp said in a statement.
Martian hopefuls received e-mails today either informing them of their rejection from the program or acceptance into the next round.
The cut eliminated 99.5 percent of the applicants; but the those hopefuls may have the chance to apply again.
"US astronaut Clayton Anderson was rejected by NASA for its astronaut training program 15 times, yet in 2007 he boarded the Space Shuttle Atlantis for a trip to the International Space Station. He proved anything can happen and the door is never completely closed," Lansdorp said.
The next selection phases will take place over the next two years.
"The next several selection phases in 2014 and 2015 will include rigorous simulations, many in team settings, with focus on testing the physical and emotional capabilities of our remaining candidates. We expect to begin understanding what is motivating our candidates to take this giant leap for humankind. This is where it really gets exciting for Mars One, our applicants, and the communities they're a part of," Lansdorp said.
The company is also in the process of negotiating a television contract to publicize the selection process.
"We fully anticipate many of our remaining candidates to become celebrities in their towns, cities, and in many cases, countries. It's about to get very interesting," Lansdorp said.
