Meet the Latinos who could colonize Mars

Four Hispanics are among the 100 finalists who could become a part of the Mars One project, the first human mission to explore the red planet in 2025.

Yari Rodriguez, a U.S. Latina with Mexican background; Zaskia Elena Andrea, from Bolivia, and Pablo Martinez and Angel Jane, from Spain, could be among the 24 astronauts who will establish a colony in the neighboring planet never to return to Earth. 

The estimated cost of putting the first four people on Mars is $6 billion dollars, according to the not-profit foundation behind the project. The foundation is making a reality show of the selection process to finance in part the cost. 

From the initial 202,586 applicants, only 100 hopefuls have been selected as finalists.

“The large cut in candidates is an important step towards finding out who has the right stuff to go to Mars,” said Bas Lansdorp, Co-founder & CEO of Mars One. “These aspiring martians provide the world with a glimpse into who the modern day explorers will be.”

Among the 100 finalists there are 50 men and 50 women from all around the world: 39 from the Americas, 31 from Europe, 16 from Asia, 7 from Africa, and 7 from Oceania. 

These are the four Hispanics who could colonize Mars:

Angel Jane 

“I am 39 years old, until last year I worked as a solar monitoring software technician, for the most known solar-monitoring company. I have been doing sports since I was a child, I am currently doing skydiving and jogging. I am a person with moral and philosophical concerns, I have always been fascinated by astronomy, dreaming of flying and space traveling. I consider myself a philanthropist, kind person, feel I could bring humanity beyond our borders. I have the desire to create the bond that unites all races and religions.”

Pablo Martinez 

“Hello, I am a 37 years old Spaniard called Pablo. I am a physicist, and I have a Ph. D in Electrochemistry, science and technology with several published papers. Last year I followed a course in Design and Installation of Solar Energy systems. I have also been trained as judo teacher and have knowledge about first aids. Actually, I work as personal teacher for High school students. I have always thought that the future of mankind is ‘out there’, so I want to help that happens. This project, Mars One, could be the way to achieve almost everything I always dreamed, and wanted, to do in my life.”

Zaskia Elena Andrea 

"Hello, my name is Zaskia, a 20 year old student. I was born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, but I’m studying in the UK right now. I’m doing International Relations and anthropology. I like metal music, although I listen to every kind of music as well. I am spiritual. A huge fan of cultures. Always looking for something new. I’d love to go to mars for life. Experience and learning are my goals in life so this would be fulfilling in every way."

Yari Rodriguez

"Hello! I am future Mars settler Yari. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Science from Smith College. By day I am a data analyst working for air traffic control decision support tools and analyzing the environmental impacts of aviation, by night I am a private pilot. I am the perfect candidate for the Mars One team because I am a fun, intelligent, independent woman with a creative and resourceful mind. I am interested in Bioastronautics and the advancement of humanity.  I enjoy the simple things in life like spending quality time with my family and friends, keeping a healthy mind and body, and being part of programs that promote interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.”