Kitty Kane has her travel plans made, although her departure is not yet confirmed. She’s hoping to take a trip to Mars, one-way. And it’s not for 10 more years.
The 24-year-old Provo hairstylist has applied to be one of the first people from Earth to colonize the red planet. Initially, 200,000 turned in applications. That number has been pared down to 1,058 and she is still in the running. Seven others of those continuing on are from Utah. Organizers are planning on an international crew. Of the more than 1,000 currently in the running, almost 300 are from the United States. One of the requirements is that they all must speak English, to facilitate communication.
“I think that is a beautiful goal,” Kane said. “It is not for national pride, but for all of humanity. It is one of my favorite things about the project.”