A consortium of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and legal experts has announced plans to create the first ever nation in space.\u00a0 It will be called Asgardia \u00a0(from Norse mythology), \u00a0will be independent of any current nation state on earth and will be built on a satellite due to be launched into orbit in the autumn of 2017. The Asgardia project aims to create a new framework for ownership and nationhood in space, which will adapt current outer space laws so they are fit for purpose in the new era of space exploration.<\/p>\n
By creating a new space nation, the scientists hope to enable private enterprise, innovation and the further development of space technology to support humanity to flourish, free from the tight restrictions of state control that currently exist. It will have its own legal framework, flag and other symbols of nationhood representing a new era in the \u201cSpace Age\u201d.<\/p>\n
Dr Igor Ashurbeyli, chairman of UNESCO\u2019s Science of Space Committee and founder of the Aerospace International Research Centre in Vienna, who is leading the project said \u00a0\u201cAsgardia is a fully-fledged and independent nation, and a future member of the United Nations \u2013 with all the attributes this status entails.\u00a0 The essence of Asgardia is peace in space, and the prevention of Earth\u2019s conflicts being transferred into space.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under current international space law, states are required to authorise and supervise national space activities, including the activities of commercial and not-for-profit organisations.\u00a0 Objects launched into space are subject to their nation of origin, and if a nation launches an object into space, that nation is responsible for any damage that occurs internationally and in outer space.<\/p>\n
Professor David Alexander, Director of the Rice Space Institute in Texas said, \u00a0\u201cAs low-earth orbit becomes more accessible, what\u2019s often called the \u2018democratisation\u2019 of space, a pathway is opening up to new ideas and approaches from a rich diversity of participants.\u00a0 The mission of Asgardia to create opportunities for broader access to space, enabling non-traditional space nations to realise their scientific aspirations is exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the first things the Asgardia team plans to do is create a state-of-the-art protective shield, designed to protect humankind from cosmic, manmade and natural threats to life on earth.<\/p>\n
Dr. Joseph N. Pelton, former Dean of the International Space University in Strasbourg, France said, \u201cThe Asgardia project, among other things, may help prepare better answers to the future governance of outer space \u2013 a topic of major concern to the United Nations.\u00a0 The exciting aspect of this initiative is its three phase approach to providing broader access to space; promoting peace in outer space; and addressing cosmic hazards and planetary defence.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Whilst the \u00a0Asgardia Project Team will be made up of leading global experts it is not clear how Asgardia will be funded or governed.<\/p>\n
Several key aspects of the project will be crowd-sourced \u2013 including involving members of the public in competitions to help design the nation\u2019s flag, insignia and other symbols of nationhood.\u00a0 A website<\/a> has been launched with further details about the project and public involvement. The site will allow the first 100,000 people to register to become citizens<\/a> of Asgardia alongside their nationality on earth.\u00a0 Once the number of applications exceeds 100,000, the organisation can officially apply to the UN for the status of state.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"