A group of scientists pushed for the creation of the first nation state in space, Asgardia, in their bid to expand the exploration of the universe for the benefit of humanity.
In its website, the group of scientists behind the creation of Asgardia planned to launch its first satellite, Ascardia, next year to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the world's first ever satellite in orbit.
The website said that Asgardia, as a nation, is a prototype of a free and unrestricted society where any Earthling can apply to be one of its citizens.
"You can join like-minded people on this new exciting step in fostering an extended future for humankind," its website disclosed.
Claiming to launch its first satellite between 2017 and 2018, the new space nation will accordingly evolve through the inputs of different experts and scientists all around the word.
Asgardia will reportedly demonstrate to scientists throughout the world that independent and unrestricted research can be possible.
As of this posting, there are already over 81,000 individuals who register and express interests to be citizens of the Asgardian space nation.
Asgardia coined its name from an ancient mythological city in the skies. It will offer platform free from the constraint of a land-based country's laws, according to its website.
A BBC News report disclosed that a contest is now being held to decide a national anthem and flag design of Asgardia.
The project was spearheaded by Aerospace International Research Center in Vienna, Austria and founded by Russian scientist Igor Ashurbeiyli.
But Prof. Sa'id Mosteshar of the London Institute of Space Policy and Law doubted that Asgardia will be recognized as nation under international law.
"The Outer Space Treaty, accepted by everybody, says very clearly that no part of outer space can be appropriated by any state," he said as quoted by BBC.
