A group of scientists have launched a new pacifist nation-state in space. Asgardia, the new nation, is located in orbit and is looking to launch a satellite next year. The nation also plans to obtain United Nations membership as well as create a anthem and flag.

Asgardia is named after one of the mythical worlds found in various Norse mythologies. The project is aimed at offering access to space technologies and foster peace. It will also provide an independent platform unfettered by the constraints of earthly laws.

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According to the project website, the citizens of Asgardia will have their physical presence on Earth. They will have dual citizenship of their own country on earth as well as of Asgardia. The new nation has a simple registration form serving as citizenship application. The nation plans to apply for United Nations recognition once its crosses 100,000 citizenships. It already has over 98,000 citizens.

Project Lead Igor Ashurbeyli, a Russian businessmen and founder of Aerospace International Research Center, said that the project aims to open up discussions about regulations concerning space activities. However, experts are doubtful about the viability of the project as international laws prohibit any national sovereignty claims in outer space.

Asgardia will hold competitions to decide a flag design and a national anthem for the nation. The project is currently being funded by Ashurbeyli. However, it plans to go for crowdfunding as well. A statement released by the project said that it seeks to create "a new framework for ownership and nationhood in space." It also aims to establish a "new judicial reality in space."