In Vienna, the ceremony of inauguration of the head of Asgardia - the first space state in the world, about the creation of which was announced in 2016 - took place. It was headed by a Russian scientist, businessman and philanthropist Igor Ashurbeyli.

During the event, the head of the nation took the oath, and also reported on the successful formation of all branches of power of the new state. "We have created all branches of power, so I can say with certainty that Asgardia was born," Newsweek magazine quotes Ashurbeyli as saying.

The ceremony was held on June 25. Recording from the event is available on Ashurbey's personal site and on YouTube.

The Newsweek article notes that the ceremony was held at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Diplomats, scientists and experts from all over the world took part in it.

During the event, Ashurbeyli reminded those present about the aims of the Asgardians. These include the creation of habitable platforms in the near-Earth space and the construction of settlements on the Moon. Ultimately, Asgardia expects to become a full-fledged member of the UN if the organization agrees to recognize Asgardia as a sovereign state.

To join the ranks of the new state is offered to all comers. To do this, it is enough to apply online on the site asgardia.space. At present, the number of citizens who obtained citizenship is a little over 204 thousand. In the next 10 years, the authorities of Asgardia plan to reach a population of 150 million people, reports Reuters. The agency also notes that citizens of Asgardia must pay an annual tax of 100 euros.

First of all, earthlings working in the field of space exploration and space technology development, as well as relevant investors, including small ones, can become Asgardians. After a million applications, their reception will be suspended, Ashurbeyli's website reported earlier.

Asgardia was named after Asgard - the heavenly land of the gods of Scandinavian mythology. It was founded by Ashurbeyli and several prominent space experts in October 2016.

The goal of the project was to create a free and independent nation outside the planet Earth "with equal access to outer space for all people, regardless of country of origin, nationality, location, age, sex, gender, race," Newsweek writes.

By now, Asgardia has its own constitution, flag and anthem. In addition, the country has its own national crypto currency "solar" (solar). This year, the first parliamentary elections were held in Asgardia.

In November 2017, Asgardia launched its first orbiting satellite Asgardia-1 into space. It was launched from the NASA Uollops cosmodrome in Virginia (USA), Ashurbeyli website reported.

Thus, "the foundation was laid for the permanent presence of Asgardia in space and the creation of an orbiting satellite cluster of the cosmic state." Asgardia became the first nation with a territory in space, it was noted in a press release.

Igor Ashurbeyli is a Russian entrepreneur, billionaire, former head of the Russian defense concern Almaz-Antey. He was dismissed in 2011. Shortly thereafter, the businessman took up the founding of the cosmic nation.