A group of mice will be trained and sent off the planet in 2006 to help pave the way for a human visit to Mars. This is a serious space project by US-Australian scientists. But before the rodents rocket away from earth, a Chinese company will create a sci-fi cartoon based on their interstellar adventures. “The Mouse Tronaut” is the first cartoon based on a real space project, designated to bring a hi-tech and adventurous feel to young audiences in China.