Asgardia, also known as the 'Space Kingdom of Asgardia', was founded in 2016 by aspirational Russian billionaire Igor Ashurbeyli.
Its goal is to be the first “nation” with a permanent colony in space, whether that’s on the Moon or in orbit. The current plan is to establish a permanent Moon base by 2043 – a project that seems ludicrously ambitious, even given the 20-year lead time.
Opik is upbeat about the chances it will happen.
“When John F. Kennedy in the early 60s committed to taking a man to the Moon and bring him safely back to the Earth, they hadn’t even been in orbit yet,” he said. “If you argue for your limitations, they're yours, no one will take them away from you.”
Opik’s political career has had its fair share of twists and turns. Originally an MP for the Liberal Democrats, his flamboyant charisma, brief relationship with a Cheeky Girl and numerous TV appearances on the likes of Have I Got News For You earned him a curious place...