Let's face it, none us has much chance of ever standing on the surface of the Mars. In truth, the Reg hacks have enough trouble making the 30-yard trip from the pub to the office without mishap. A quick trip to the red planet is - frankly - out of the question.

Nevertheless, you can participate in NASA's 2003 Mars rover mission. The administration has come up with the ingenious idea of letting people sign up online and having their name recorded on a CD which will accompany the mission.

According to Dr. Ed Weiler, Associate Administrator for the Office of Space Science, "Everyone on Earth who has ever dreamed of being an explorer on an alien planet will want to go along for the ride as we explore the surface of Mars."

Admittedly, the whole thing's aimed at kids, but all you space cadets out there who should know better might be tempted to show that they have the 'right stuff.'

So, if you'd like to send your moniker into the great beyond, proceed directly to NASA's sign-up page and plant your flag in alien soil. ®