[nnfy]

I wonder how many of those with the qualifications to be selected for a trip to mars would make such a sacrifice.

If you knew you weren't coming back, would you still be willing to be the first person on mars?

[Razengan]

I for one would gladly volunteer for even a one-way trip out of the solar system.

I could keep myself occupied and entertained the same way I do now, with some personal computing devices and game consoles, and I should be able to steer my craft and make direct observations while maintaining communications with Earth as long as the distance allows.

It would be a privilege rather than a sacrifice, and it will help humans back here in understanding the cosmos better than unmanned probes would.

[T-A]

Immediate response: no way, why would I want to do that? Second thought: maybe if I were terminally ill and had nothing special left to do on Earth. Third thought: ... but given my usual luck, in that case a cure for my condition would be announced as soon as I had passed the point of no return. :P

[jayd16]

Theoretically they could send the cure but they announce cancer cures every other week.

[throwawaylalala]

Yes. Not now, but soon.