A group of mice will be trained and sent off the planet in 2006 to help pave the way for a human visit to Mars. This is a serious space project by US-Australian scientists.

But before the rodents rocket away from earth, a Chinese company will create a sci-fi cartoon based on their interstellar adventures.

"The Mouse Tronaut" is the first cartoon based on a real space project, designated to bring a hi-tech and adventurous feel to young audiences in China.

Due to the theme, the space project director sent a letter to the show's producer, predicting that those who land on mars 30 years from now would have been watching Mouse Tronauts in their childhood.

Space adventures have become a hot topic nationwide since the successful launch of China's first manned space project, Shenzhou V.

(Mouse tronaut's babies born in space)

(Mouse tronaut's space craft)

(Photo source: dayoo.com)