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Farmington man hopes to be among those to colonize Mars

Posted at 10:01 PM, Jan 07, 2014
and last updated 2014-01-08 00:05:28-05

FARMINGTON -- Mars One is a non-profit organization that plans to establish a permanent human colony on Mars. The first launch is scheduled for 2015.

After plans for the endeavor were announced in May of 2012, over 200,000 people responded to a worldwide casting call of sorts.

The number of candidates has now been trimmed down to just 1,058. Eight are from Utah and more than 200 are from the United States.

Those who are selected will be expected to help build a permanent settlement on Mars and have their experiences broadcast to audiences everywhere. The future of Mars One largely depends upon unfinished contracts with sponsors and advertisers.

The final price tag for the mission is in the billions of dollars. But so far, the mission is slowly moving forward.

Ken Sullivan is a finalist from Farmington. He is married and has four children ranging in age from 6 months to 13 years old.

"My wife thinks I'm crazy," Sullivan told Fox 13 News.

Those chosen remain on Mars for the rest of their lives.

Sullivan said he's OK with the commitment, noting that previous explorers and settlers like Columbus and Mormon pioneers took greater risks, going to places unknown never to see family or friends again.

"I'll be able to email my kids", he said.