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 The Race to Mars Europe's mission to Mars

INTRODUCTION THE MISSION SPACE SUITS THE GLIDER
THE SHIP FLIGHT PLATFORM THE PILOTS BACK NEXT

Colin Prescot and Andy Elson
The Pilots

Andy Elson, 49, is the main pilot during the mission, although both men have trained to be able to carry out each others' tasks in an emergency.

Elson is also responsible for the design of the balloon. An experienced balloon pilot, he was the first to fly a balloon over Mount Everest in 1991.

Colin Prescot, 53, is a commercial hot air balloonist, specialising in aerial film production, with eight James Bond films among his credits.


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