


“I think there could be some interest in the Mars One project from high school students,” Trimble says. “However, there has not been a lot of publicity about the project. Because of this, I do not think many high school students even know about it.”

Still, Trimble says he is looking forward to seeing what effect the project will have on high school-level courses.

“I do think that this would cause a spike in the science field,” Trimble says. “Those students that are interested in it would indeed take more science and math classes. In response, I think teachers would also try to include more engineering and problem-solving skills. A large project like Mars One would need skills in all of those fields to face the challenges of going to Mars and setting up a permanent settlement.”

Not just high school classes would change if colonization became a comfortable reality. James McLeod, a senior political science and European studies major at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, says he believes the open process applications of the Mars One program will have a large effect on his generation and the idea will be a catalyst for many future developments.

“(It’s) an inspiration for the spirit of discovery,” McLeod says. “I personally would not apply, despite the draw of being among the first to explore a new planet. Overall though, I believe that any expedition as monumental as starting a colony on another planet is a positive development for humanity.”


MANY, HOWEVER, do not believe that Mars One can complete its mission in the given timeframe. Tony Crider, chair of the department of physics at Elon University, admires the ideals behind the project but doesn’t believe the technology it plans to use will successfully transport four individuals to Mars.

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