Part of the premise behind Stars on Mars isn't unlike that of other reality competition shows where physical and mental games come into play. The cast of 12 celebrities, which includes former pro cyclist Lance Armstrong (not to be confused with real-life astronaut Neil Armstrong), live together in a faux space station for 24 days while they receive messages and challenges from Mission Control, which is where host William Shatner remains to guide them along.

But there's a "ration shortage" in this simulated Mars exhibition, so every week, the competitors have to make the tough decision to vote out one player to send back to Earth. The competitions include tasks that require the "celebronauts" to use their brains or their brawn. And, because this is a show where eliminations occur every week, alliances are expected to form among them.

But with conditions meant to imitate life on Mars, complete with a bio-dome where plant life is grown, and challenges that involve driving a rover out on fake Mars (which is actually the Australian Outback), tensions are bound to be high.