Hongkonger Birdy Cheng Yu-pang lands a place on Mars mission

Despite average temperatures of minus 55 degrees Celsius and shortage of oxygen so great that settlers will need breathing equipment, 25-year-old Birdy Cheng Yu-pang says he is overjoyed to be the only Hongkonger among 1,058 candidates for a one-way space migration to the desert-like planet.

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Birdy Cheng says he is not worried about reports casting doubt on the Mars mission. “Even if it is a fraud, it is still worth believing in. It has given me a dream.” Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 3:30am, 7 Feb 2014Updated: 4:25pm, 7 Feb 2014

Birdy Cheng Yu-pang believes planet earth is polluted and hopeless - so much so that he is determined to start a new life on Mars.

Despite average temperatures of minus 55 degrees Celsius and shortage of oxygen so great that settlers will need breathing equipment, the 25-year-old says he is overjoyed to be the only Hongkonger among 1,058 candidates for a one-way space migration to the desert-like planet.

Dutch foundation Mars One plans to establish outposts on the planet's surface in four years. If it succeeds, several teams of astronauts will begin their high-risk journey to the red planet in 2024 to settle permanently.

"I am ready to start a new life on a new planet," the physics graduate from Hong Kong University of Science & Technology told the South China Morning Post. "Since I have joined the programme, I picture my new life on Mars every now and then."

Watch: Birdy Cheng on why he wants to live on Mars

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