Having successfully put a man on the moon almost 50 years ago, Mars is now the most realistic and exciting goal in space exploration. The Red Planet has long been of interest to the cosmically-minded, and now Mars One is aiming to not just visit, but colonize, the planet in two short decades.

"Mars One will establish the first human settlement on Mars in 2023. A habitable settlement will be waiting for the settlers when they land. The settlement will support them while they live and work on Mars the rest of their lives. Every two years after 2023 an additional crew will arrive, such that there is a real living, growing community on Mars."

Mars One's plans for fundraising are just as interesting. "We will finance this mission by creating the biggest media event ever around it."

Is this forward thinking, or far fetched? We'll be watching closely.