Khalid's keen to prove there can be life on Mars

An aspiring astronaut from the United Arab Emirates could become one of the first humans to walk on the surface of Mars after being shortlisted for an ambitious one-way mission to the Red Planet.
Time Aerospace thumbnail

Khalid Al-Jaaidi, a digital marketer and designer/programmer, has been selected as one of 1,000 potential space explorers after applying to take part in the Mars One project.

Mars One is the brainchild of a Dutch not-for-profit foundation. It has conceptual plans to establish a permanent human colony on Mars by 2024.

The mission plan consists of cargo missions and unmanned preparation of a habitable settlement, followed by human landings.

The first four astronauts sent will have the most important job, setting up and expanding the base for the next four who will follow two years later.

The long-term vision is to have a small community of people living on Mars.

You will be able to read more about Khalid (pictured with his young nephew Saqer) in the next printed edition of Arabian Aerospace.

Steve Nichols

Steve Nichols

Steve (BSc Hons, FIIC) is a journalist and communicator with more than 35 years' experience.