A TRINITY College-based astrophysicist is in the running to become the first Irishman in space.
Dr Joseph Roche was today named in the 100-strong shortlist of hopefuls who made it through to the third round selection process for Mars One, the maiden mission that will see humans travel to Mars.
Over 200,000 people have applied to take part in the one-way mission to the red planet.
In the last round, 660 candidates took part in online interviews, before the numbers were narrowed down to 100 following a screening, medical and interview process.
The purpose of Mars One is to create a permanent human settlement on the planet, sending 24 people into space by 2025.
Crews of four are expected to depart every two years from when the mission begins in just under ten years.
The total cost is set to be around $6bn (€5.26bn). The missions, backed by Dutch entrepreneur Bas Lansdorp, will be funded privately through crowd funding and a reality TV show documenting the project.
Candidates who made it into the third selection round will be interviewed and will have to participate in group challenges to demonstrate their suitability for the project.
The candidates come from all around the world, including 39 from the Americas, 31 from Europe, 16 from Asia, seven from Africa, and seven from Oceania.
