Questions about the Mission

Where do they think they're going?

The cadets believe they will be flying 100km above the earth. At that point you are officially an astronaut, skirting the edge of space.

Do the buttons work in the space ship? And what happens if they do?

Most of the buttons do something, even if it is just turning a light on. Some of the buttons in there are interactive. There are monitors in there that we can play into from our own computer programmes, so we can flash up things like warning signs, or fuel leak alerts, or that the temperature is too hot.

Who's flying the ship?

The craft will be 'flown' by two actors playing experienced astronauts, one American, one Russian.

What's it like?

It's tiny, just the size of the real thing. It was initially made for Space Cowboys, with Clint Eastwood. It consists of three parts. There's a cockpit, a mid-deck, and we've added a lab. The mid-deck is where they will eat and sleep. It is based on a NASA blueprint.

What will happen when they take-off?

It will be incredibly loud. The launch sound has been made by Hollywood based sound specialist, Dean Andre. He's created the most unbelievable noise. It's quite frightening. The whole thing is tipping and rocking to create the impression of take-off.

How do they go to the loo?

There's a tiny shower cubicle, which is housed with the toilet.

What will they be doing in space?

They will be performing all sorts of experiments. Some will be based on previous experiments in space, some will simply be funny.

What happens at the end?

That depends on whether Channel 4 pulls it off or not. There is a cash prize. The cadets who finally go on the 'mission' will get £5,000 for every day they spend 'in orbit,' which is every day they spend in the shuttle, so potentially five days equaling £25,000.