Mars One, a non-profit Dutch organization that aims to have a human settlement established in Mars by 2023, has released its requirements for its Astronaut Selection Program. The exciting part? This is open to almost everyone around the world.

“Unique to all other space exploration endeavors before it, Mars One is opening the astronaut program to anyone on planet Earth that meets the base criteria,” read the organization’s press release about the program. “It is not necessary to have military training nor experience in flying aircraft nor even a science degree. It is most important that each applicant be intelligent, in good mental and physical health, and be willing to dedicate eight years to training and learning before making the journey to his or her new home on Mars.”

Interested applicants should be at least 18 years old, with “a deep sense of purpose, willingness to build and maintain healthy relationships, the capacity for self-reflection and ability to trust.” Resilience, adaptability, curiosity, creativity and resourcefulness are also appreciated traits.

While being a doctor or a pilot might give an applicant an edge, it still won’t guarantee that he or she will get the slot. “Candidates will receive a minimum of eight years extensive training while employed by Mars One. While any formal education or real-world experience can be an asset, all skills required on Mars will be learned while in training.”

The accepted applicants will then take part in an interactive show that will broadcast every step of their mission to the world. This show, along with deliberations by the Mars One experts, will determine who will be the first four astronauts to be deployed to Mars.

Interested applicants do, however, have to note this important catch: the prize is a one-way trip to Mars, and a return flight to Earth would probably not be possible.

(Photo by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center via Flickr Creative Commons)