Mars One Chronicles

The Capital Factory in downtown Austin, Mars One, CEO and Founder, Mr. Bas Lansdorp, gave an evening presentation regarding the feasibility, costs and human qualities needed, for sending teams of astronauts to colonize Mars. Mars One is currently recruiting and vetting candidates willing to make a One Way trip to the red planet. Bas stated, "This is simply an advance to the next continent." Bas went on to compare colonizing Mars to the exploration trip of Christopher Columbus. He further stated, "Remember, people in Europe sold all of their possessions and purchased a One Way ticket, to a new continent, to live here." During the presentation Mr. Lansdorp explained a unique option available for Mars One, to raise the capital necessary, to fund their exploratory space program. This option involves selling the naming rights of the first city on Mars. The example of Gatesville was described and is available to Mr. Bill Gates, Microsoft Chairman and majority stockholder, for the sum of Six Billion Dollars ($6,000,000,000). In the audience was Mr. Bruce Furst, CEO of Intergalactic Royalty Operations Corporation (iRoc) who has met with Mr. Lansdorp. When Mr. Furst raised his hand, Mr. Lansdorp said, "Yes Bruce, by the way, everyone, Bruce is wearing an appropriate shirt that says, Mars is not that far away!" The question Mr. Furst asked, specifically targeted the issue of under what legal jurisdiction would Mars One register the name of the initial city on Mars. Bruce Furst and his company iRoc are leading the way to register content and create branded marketing in Outer Space. This issue of protecting intellectual and physical property rights on Mars is one that will become very important once colonization begins. Current estimates for humans to arrive on Mars are within ten years. The audience reacted well to the very engaging presentation and Mr. Lansdorp, who said he was enjoying his time in Austin and the opportunity to spread the Mars One philosophy.