Locals compete for chance to colonize Mars | WJLA.com

WASHINGTON (WJLA) Would you leave Earth for a possible life on Mars?

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It may sound like science fiction, but a Dutch nonprofit is working to pursue the ambitious goal of sending people to Mars.

It's well known that there are hazards on the red planet. There are the extreme temperatures, lack of atmosphere and radiation from the sun. However, the Mars One project believes that it will be possible to send people to the planet by 2024. It already plans to send a demonstration mission to Mars in 2018.

The project asked for volunteers who would be willing to go. More than 200,000 people applied. Now, the final 100 have been chosen, including four people within the Washington metropolitan area. They are: Mike McDonnell, 50, of Fairfax, Va.; Sonia Van Meter, 36, of Alexandria, Va.; Daniel Carey, 53, of Annandale, Va.; and Dr. Leila Zucker, 46.

McDonnell does IT for the federal government, Van Meter is a political consultant, Carey is a data architect, and Dr. Zucker is an ER doctor at Howard University Hospital. ABC 7 News sat down and spoke with three of the final candidates.

"I just wanted to know that I had thrown my hat into the ring when the opportunity presented itself. I didn't in a million years think I would make it here," said Van Meter. "I am a political consultant, but I am a huge space advocate. I believe very firmly that space exploration benefits human kind in immeasurable ways."

Van Meter is married and has stepchildren, whom she said are supportive of her endeavors. She said it's important to think about the big picture.

"I think a date that you know you may never see the planet again helps you to look at the next 10 years like, what is really important, what do I really want to focus on?" she said.

Van Meter has met with some of the other local candidates, including Dan Carey, who said the opportunity is a lifelong dream.

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Locals compete for chance to colonize Mars | WJLA.com