Early recordings include Buzz Aldrin discussing his vision for Mars, and artist Reggie Watts performing some of his signature improv beatboxing. The subjects from the most recent HI-SEAS Mars simulation experiment have already received these clips, while new messages from "notable participants" should accompany the 2017 HI-SEAS run.

Crucially, you won't have to book a trip across the Solar System to see some of these VR videos. Time has struck a deal with 8i to bring the Aldrin and Watts recordings to its Life VR platform starting in early 2017. They'll initially require Google Cardboard, but there will be eventually be a "complete" Buzz Aldrin experience for the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. It won't be the same as watching in a Mars base camp (that might be a good thing), but you'll at least get a hint of what future spacefarers will see.