‘Space nation’ idea takes off

MORE than 500,000 people have applied to be citizens of “space nation” Asgardia.

It’s the idea of billionaire Russian Dr Igor Ashurbeyli, who wants to create the first space-based country recognised by the UN.

Some 200,000 people have been accepted. They will now have their data sent to a micro-satellite.

Dr Ashurbeyli said sending “citizens into space in virtual form” was “a first, small step which we hope will lead to a giant leap forward for mankind”.