Is Canada's Greatest Know-It-All Going on a One-Way Mission to Mars?

OTTAWA, March 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Dr. Andrew Rader, recent winner of the title on Discovery's hit competitive series sets his sights on going to Mars in the next decade - one way!

Rader, a 33-year old spacecraft engineer from Ottawa and contender for astronaut selection, prevailed over 9 competitors and 3,000 applicants from across Canada in an 8-week battle of intellect, stamina, and teamwork.

Andrew's goal is to earn a place amongst international competitors for Mars One, a project to send humans to Mars in 2023, and stay for life.

"Getting to Mars one-way is easier than getting to the Moon and back - which we did 40 years ago! Since we're sending humans to found a new branch of civilization, a one way mission - to live, not to die - makes a lot of sense."

"But it means leaving everything and everyone behind…"

Andrew holds a Ph.D. from MIT in aerospace engineering and has worked on half a dozen Canadian space missions in Cambridge, ON.

SOURCE: Planetary Society of Canada

For further information:

Charlotte Armstrong
[e-mail]; 519-500-4919
Andrew: 617-460-1136