As a nation, we face challenges: economic sustainability for one, but also the sustenance of intellectual curiosity and industry that made us the global capital of research and technology for a century.

There may be historical ebbs and flows of scientific productivity and competence. For example, the Space Race and Project Apollo were likely catalysts that engaged a generation of future scientists and engineers.

Thus, fervor for knowledge may change as social factors do. Decades ago, Harold Evans dubbed the 20th century The American Century and the 21st as that of China. This is not certain, but we do live in a period of transition.Regardless of trans-national trends, many education supporters see a science-literate citizenry as essential to a functional society.

As the authors of Science Matters: Achieving Science Literacy note:"More than ever before, scientific and technological issues dominate, from global climate change to the teaching of evolution, to the perceived gradual decline of American competitiveness.Being able to understand these debates is becoming as important to you as being able to read.

You must be scientifically literate. "This section presents evidence that our nation's grasp of basic science literacy is strong in some areas, but weak in others, suggesting challenges to science education and a need to elevate the status of science and engineering in the public sphere.

It reviews the international standing of our children's science knowledge, which is, now, arguably undistinguished.While not yet a water-cooler topic, our science challenges could become part of a vital national conversation, essential to our nation's long-term well being. These science challenges are also motivating factors for the Space Science proposal and similar efforts across our nation.

As a nation, we face challenges: economic sustainability for one, but also the sustenance of intellectual curiosity and industry that made us the global capital of research and technology for a century.

There may be historical ebbs and flows of scientific productivity and competence. For example, the Space Race and Project Apollo were likely catalysts that engaged a generation of future scientists and engineers. Thus, fervor for knowledge may change as social factors do. Decades ago, Harold Evans dubbed the 20th century The American Century and the 21st as that of China. This is not certain, but we do live in a period of transition.

Regardless of trans-national trends, many education supporters see a science-literate citizenry as essential to a functional society. As the authors of Science Matters: Achieving Science Literacy note:

"More than ever before, scientific and technological issues dominate, from global climate change to the teaching of evolution, to the perceived gradual decline of American competitiveness.

Being able to understand these debates is becoming as important to you as being able to read. You must be scientifically literate."

This section presents evidence that our nation's grasp of basic science literacy is strong in some areas, but weak in others, suggesting challenges to science education and a need to elevate the status of science and engineering in the public sphere. It reviews the international standing of our children's science knowledge, which is, now, arguably undistinguished.

While not yet a water-cooler topic, our science challenges could become part of a vital national conversation, essential to our nation's long-term well being. These science challenges are also motivating factors for the Space Science proposal and similar efforts across our nation.

While I was in New York about one-and-a-half to two-years ago…

There is a perception that everything exists in the universe
as if it has been reflected through the mind of mankind …
by Bircan ÜNVER

Translated from Turkish to English by Fatma SARIKAYA
English revision is dated January 6, 2018.
Drawing by : J.U.C. 2011, New York
Special Thanks to: Fatma Sarıkaya for her contribution to making this available in English as well.
Disclosure: 1. Above “ Poetic Diary ” is an adaptation from its Turkish originally written-and-printed version in the “ I şık Yollarında ” Poetry book (2017, Istanbul).
This is not a verbatim translation. #IşıkYollarında @IşıkYollarında B.Ü .
2. Initially posted in TurkishLibrary.Us website.

One of the most interesting things happening as 2018 opens are the increasing official disclosures on UFO’s, unknown metals and the like from official US sources.  None other than the NY Times has led the pack with authorized releases from the defense department and other offices.  This has been preceded by months of dribbling information from NASA on related speculation.  Habitable planets being found, unknown microorganisms discovered on the space station glass exterior, life discovered under the Antarctic ice, suspicious elongated asteroid flying by, the theorized superstructure blocking the output of a distant star- the list is quite long actually.  __________  There is now an orchestrated effort to get the public ready fro some imminent disclosure.  This had been in the works for a long time, 1954 according to some sources, and indeed seems to be the basis for the “predictive programming” that underlies the selection of science fiction presented to the audience (from Star Wars through Star Trek and countless other franchises).  _______  Indeed, such a paradigm changing concept that we are not alone would shatter the reality-set and beliefs of the majority of the population not suitably prepared for such news.  Orson Wells “War of the Worlds” broadcast proved that early on so vast sums needed to be budgeted to “cushion” the shock such disclosure would bring.  ___________  The interesting fact is these “bombshell” announcements from none other than the Pentagon itself has hardly drawn much public attention-even with major mass media coverage.  It’s as if people are so conditioned to the possibilities of other beings interacting with us, either spatially or inter-dimensionally, that they’re not even fazed!  The programming seems to have been effective!  _________  Now I don’t think full disclosure is the governments choice right now.  Their hand is being forced one way or another and they want to maintain control of the narrative so have sped up their slow drip to a steady stream of revelations.  I think this year will be full of surprises in such regard and Asgardia may find itself in an actual representative role sooner than most think!  _______________   I have included a few links to these topics.  Corey Goode and David Wilcox have an interesting angle on this and have a lot out there as well to look into.  _____ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/18/insider/secret-pentagon-ufo-program.html ________ https://www.naturalnews.com/2017-12-30-former-pentagon-official-confirms-ufos-proved-beyond-reasonable-doubt.html ___________ https://www.naturalnews.com/2017-12-28-f-18-fighter-plane-captures-stunning-ufo-on-video-government-admits-ufo-research-is-real.html ________  Good series on this controlled disclosure by John Rapport.  Analyze how controlled news sources use “limited hangouts” to slowly break a story the way that government insiders want it revealed. ____ https://jonrappoport.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/new-gift-wrapped-ufo-revelations-from-the-pentagon-whats-going-on/ _______ https://jonrappoport.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/current-ufo-disclosures-and-the-incredible-edible-new-york-times/ ______   And for a rather in-depth look at the history of these concepts- http://ascensionenergies.com/2016/10/29/exposing-the-top-secret-treaty-between-the-u-s-and-aliens/ ________ http://ascensionenergies.com/2017/12/29/controlled-disclosure-and-the-awakening-of-the-human-potential/ ______   Let me know your thoughts on these ideas if they pique your interest!

Well enough lurking around outside the airlock!  Might as well come in from the cold!

I first stumbled upon Asgardia the day of their official opening up and signed up right away (number 1043 it looks like). Corresponded with the initial crew for a while and got myself really wrapped around the idea (micro-nations, seasteading and other attempts at independent states).  Indeed some of the early attempts (the Atlantis 2 in the Bahamas was particularly apt) had much inspiration and guts but little on the practical aspects of working through all the legal and political entanglements. Most were just happy enough to sell postage stamps, passports and other curio and as such were usually ignored by the relevant governing authorities, being seen as more of a business venture than any real threat to the status quo.  Because indeed, the concept of a nation on this planet is completely webbed up with the global status quo, mostly from the financial aspect (as all control manifests at some point).  Thiel’s Seasteading project off the coast of Tahiti shows the most promise and we should monitor their progress as it goes.  Could make an interesting co-endeavor with Asgardia at some point.

Politics and systems of control and coercion here on Earth have grown quite stifling for those liberty minded folks who still have not fallen under the hypnotic spell.  The old left-right paradigm and divide-and-conquer tricks become obvious in the glare of open-sourced media and people the world over are fed up with it.  Indeed, why start a space nation if you are going to just dredge up the same failed oppressive games from the muck only to pollute space and beyond with it!  Not a good way to endear yourself to your neighbors (and get out of quarantine finally).  We need to outgrow the childish egos our society is modeled around and mature rather quickly as a race or any expansion beyond our world on our part will be futile.

We cannot solve a problem with the same mindset that created it (Einstein I believe).  One needs to elevate one’s point of view out of the arena to have the full field in view.  With this new perspective, new paradigms are born and hopefully, we regain a bit more of our true humanity in the process.  Systems cannot be repaired from within (though they can be eaten out from the inside).

This is an ancient and cyclic challenge for humanity.  Are we up to the task?  Can we break free from old familiar habits of control?

Asgardia so far has proven a very good virtual incubator of such concepts.  Everyone involved seems to desire a clean break to restart the process where all have equal footing and respect. However the exact way of putting together all the needed elements for a fledgling nation has proven quite a challenge and at each level, new issues need to be dealt with that were not foreseen.

With the launch of its first satellite, Asgardia has brought the concept out of the social media discussion realm and taken things up a notch in the “real” environment.  Small and insignificant it may seem, it is a cornerstone for a whole different way of looking at sovereignty and nationality outside any previous norms.

With the elections under way and things filling in all around I am feeling optimistic that this has sailed beyond the mere “pipe-dream” stage!  Still a long road ahead but the initial steps are most crucial as all the rest follow in their tracks.  Hopefully we can learn to become “good neighbors,”  if we expect other possible neighbors to want to have anything to do with us! Asgardia indeed should aspire to become the ambassadorial coalition of Earth.  So far we have the makings of such and once we have a legal basis for our sovereignty, we will be positioned in the vanguard of any exo-political relations that may unfold in our little neighborhood.  It's a beautiful day!

Playgrounds are beautiful things. Most of us played in one at some point in our childhoods, be it at school, at the neighbourhood centre, or by the local library. For me, it was all three. Playgrounds were central to meet-ups with friends. They were the sites of space battles, pirate warfare, western duels, and so much more. As kids you'd go there whenever possible, and as the sun set you'd beg to stay longer, clinging to the monkey bars or sitting adamantly in the sand pit. But now those times are gone, and we are here, members of a sovereign, interstellar nation, the first of its kind. We've come far, and have so much farther to go. But as we ride on into the stars, let us not forget our simple childhoods – our playgrounds that gave rise to the dreams and ambitions which led us to where we are today.

My name is Sujit Poudel and I'm originally from Nepal. Currently I live in Hackensack NJ and work in New York City, NY. Excited to be a part of this awesome place!

I joined Asgardia a long time ago, but I did not post anything yet. Now I'm finally looking to do some volunteering work here in terms of some software development. Let's me friends in here, and build the community together!

I believe Asgardia can be the future. People always spread hate, that is what is ruining life itself. Greed, hate, ignorance; those are a few things that are leading this world into extinction. People are killing each other, the world is dying due to misuse and this is all because of greed. I hope Asgardia strays from all of this and helps us build a better tomorrow. We can all build a better tomorrow. We must be productive and supportive to achieve this huge goal of a peaceful new world. Long live Asgardia, a new life.

I am logos, and I share the dream.

I share an agnostic logical view, based on facts, scientific research, carbon dating of fossil records. Evidence as proof.

The world is divided, by boundaries, race, religion, wealth and status. Humans are on the brink of finding life outside the planet, and when they do I want to be part of the nation representing peace and unity.

I dream of a world where there's a global understanding and respect, where everyone is free to think and believe anything but all understand the basics of nature and the universe. A world where science and technology are at the forefront. A world that understands that we need to nurture the planet, we need to evolve as a species by eliminating our foot print on the planet. When we eradicate racism, poverty, disease and war. When we use our nuclear arsenal to terraform other worlds and transcend into the cosmos, instead of threatening each other to extinction.

How many geniuses have we lost to disease, hunger and war?

We need to evolve our intelligence.

Be and let be, respect and be respected .

Here are my qualifications: I am an Environmental Engineer. I have trained over 2,000 Farmers across 7 villages in 3 languages on new and improved Forestry techniques in West Africa. I am currently a project manager on multi million dollar projects.

Let's make the dream of Asgardia a reality!

A new nation must be open to the hearts and vision of its citizens, making sure that the society and structure that develops is open to ideas, to criticism and to taking responsibility for actions. Let’s examine these points:

1. Open to ideas. Creativity thrives in an open and synergistic society. It allows for problem solving and development of programs that are supported by the populace, not justselect individuals.

2. Open to criticism. As a leader, one must be open to criticism from those they serve. It is the basic foundation of leadership in an open society. Acting to institutionalize and execute the will of the people is the basis for a truly participatory system.

3. Taking responsibility. A leader must also be ready to accept responsibility for actions. Establishing this trust allows to build networks of trust and action which are crucial for the growth of a society.

It is on these basic constructs that I build my platform. As a candidate, I am committed to the open exchange of ideas, for creative solutions to benefit all citizens. I accept the criticism others may have of my views and positions and stand ready to engage in discourse on the issues with the goal of achieving solutions that meet the needs of society. Finally, I have founded my life on taking responsibility for actions that I control and will continue to do so

During a September Q&A session online , Lena De Winne, the CEO and Vice-President of NGO Asgardia, and the Deputy Head of Administration of Asgardia, addressed a number of questions posted by Asgardians online. She also discussed recent developments.

Mechanisms for Change

Now that the approved Constitution has created the framework for the Asgardian society to operate in, there are mechanisms in place for areas that can be improved.

De Winne said: “That is why the Constitution defines the rule by which it is possible to submit petitions. Those petitions can be submitted by any Asgardian. Petitions are published on the website, and they stay there for sixty days. They need to collect a number of votes and they need to be addressed properly. Then, if they are initiated and handled correctly, they will arrive with the respective addressee and recipient and the government, and they will have to be processed.”

She continued: “For example, if you have any specific desire to change any article or chapter of the Constitution, please write a petition. Talk to your countrymen Asgardians. Collect the signatures. Make sure that the petition is fully ready, and it will be submitted to the respective branch of the government, and then, if it all goes through correctly, this will be the basis to call a referendum. The referendum will be the basis for changing the Constitution like in any democracy. It's exactly the democratic procedure that is defined in the Constitution.”

Privacy Protection

De Winne reminded Asgardians to keep “your number in the certificate of Asgardia safe. This is your unique number that in the future will allow you to use all the government and national services.”

Status of UN Recognition

When asked about UN recognition, De Winne said that “ it's not so black and white.”

“The paperwork has been prepared and at the same time, contexts are being initiated with other countries on Earth. There is no such thing as requirements to be met to be appointed a state…no set of formal criteria. We are preparing an extended set of documents for the United Nations to start working with them, but it's not like ‘please accept me to become a member’ -- it doesn't work like this. The work is ongoing.”

You asked, Asgardia answered. For more answers to questions you may have, please see our Frequently Asked Questions .