IT HAS proved to be one of the most desirable job vacancies in the world, with more than 165,000 applicants from more than 140 countries.
The aim of Mars One is to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars in 2023.
Among those in the running for the one-way, seven-month flight to the red planet for the ambitious reality TV show is east Hull's Melissa Ede.
The 52-year-old transsexual's application on the Mars One website has been viewed by more than 24,000 people. She hopes to find out if she has made it through to the next stage in the next few weeks.
"My life consists of promoting diversity and I have always dreamed of making history," said taxi driver Melissa.
"Being picked would allow me to do both of these.
"I'm the sort of girl who likes to be different. I like to think of myself as a dream-maker.
"Life is not always easy but, with belief and determination, we can achieve our dreams."
The wannabe astronauts face a two-year selection process. With the application stage now closed, the Mars One team are believed to be picking between 50 and 100 candidates from the UK to move on to the next stage of the process.
The successful astronauts will be put through eight years of training.
Melissa said: "At the end of the day, all this has been done through the media and will be a reality show, so it must have been noticed the amount of publicity I have generated.
"I have been interviewed on Russian, Australian, Canadian and American radio and I've also been mentioned on the BBC and Sky."
The mission plan consists of cargo missions and unmanned preparation of a settlement on Mars, followed by human landings.
Within the settlement are inflatable components which contain bedrooms, working areas, a living room and a "plant production unit", where they will grow greenery.
They will be able to shower as normal, prepare fresh food in the kitchen and generally lead typical day-to-day lives.
If they leave the settlement, they will have to wear a Mars Suit.
Speaking about what she will miss most about Earth, Melissa said: "It will probably be the make-up. I always take a lot of pride with my appearance.
"I wouldn't imagine I'd be allowed to take it to Mars."
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