If this wasn’t posted on the Official Google Blog I probably wouldn’t have believed it. Google is teaming up with Sir Richard Branson to form Virgle, the goal of which is the establishment of a permanent human settlement on Mars.
If you ever dreamed of being a pioneer here is your chance. The adventure begins in 2014. Destination: Mar’s Lunae planum area of the north side of Kasei Valles. Need some more convincing? Check out their 100 year plan:
- 2010: Choosing a Site
- 2014: Low Earth Orbit
- 2015: Virgle Base 1
- 2016: Flying to Mars
- 2108: Virgle City
Private space exploration has picked-up a lot of momentum in recent years with hopes of creating a space tourism industry, but this seems to be a little over ambitious. Probably more of a publicity stun than anything, but it will be interesting to see reactions to this news.
Before I sign-up I need to see if the post office will forward my mail.
