'Space Cadets' will be "totally fooled"

Contestants on Channel 4’s new Space Cadets reality series are expected to be "totally fooled" by the elaborate hoax.

Legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin has visited the disused airfield which contains the fake spaceship and is "amazed" by how realistic the site appears to be.

Hollywood sound expert Dean Andre is placing 60 300-watt speakers around the shuttle to help create the sounds and vibration of a rocket launch.

"This is the most spectacular thing I've ever been involved in. These contestants are going to be totally fooled," Andre told the Sunday Mirror. "Nothing like this has ever been attempted before. It's going to blow their minds. The technology is 21st Century and should convince anyone that they are in space."

He added, "I can't believe the amount of money, effort and technical expertise that has gone into this project. We've all been sworn to secrecy and told not to give too much away, but I can't help but talk about it - it's too exciting."

The wannabe astronauts are currently staying in a secret location with no contact with the outside world.