As tourism proves to be the next big thing about the space, Aerospace International Research Center (AIRC), composed of an international team of scientists, engineers, legal experts and entrepreneurs, has something else in mind: it wants to put people of all races in space to form the ‘space nation’.
Called the Asgardia, this space nation is a ‘global, unifying and humanitarian project’ according to the founder of AIRC, Russian scientist Igor Ashurbeyli. He said at a press conference in Paris that the project’s concept comprises three parts, which are philosophical, legal, and scientific/technological – none of which he knows is the most important.
The vision is to make Asgardia as a fully-fledged independent nation, complete with flag and government embassies, among others, aiming to be part of the United Nations. Ashurbeyli said that its essence is peace in space and the prevention of Earth’s conflicts being transferred into space.
He added, “Asgardia’s philosophical envelope is to ‘digitalize’ the Noosphere, creating a mirror of humanity in space but without Earthly division into states, religions and nations. In Asgardia we are all just Earthlings.”
The space nation was announced together with the launching of the first Asgardia satellite in autumn next year, in time for the 60th anniversary of the Sputnik launch. Moreover, 100,000 people are invited to register to become citizens of Asgardia.
Budget for this ambitious project is coming from the team’s personal, private funds as well crowdfunding and private donations. Partners and investors are said to be open to cooperate.
All of this seems to be fantasy, but Ashurbeyli stood firm with the plan, daring the doubters. “Is it pioneering, futuristic and visionary – or madness? Call it what you will, and time will tell.”
Asgardia is so-called as a reference to mankind’s dream to leave Earth and expand into the universe. Asgardia is the city from Norse Mythology ruled by Odin from Valhalla.
Would you want to be part of this space nation?
