Space Nation
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Entertainment, Space tourism |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Helsinki , Finland, United States |
| Products | Space Nation Navigator app, reality television series, astronaut training program |
Space Nation is a company operating between Finland and the United States, focused on producing a reality television series where the victor will journey into space. Participants are chosen from individuals engaging with its mobile gaming application. The firm has formed collaborations with aerospace enterprises throughout the US, Europe, and China, and notably became the inaugural space tourism enterprise to affiliate with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Astronaut Training Program
In April 2018, Space Nation introduced the Space Nation Navigator app, designed as an astronaut training resource. Created in collaboration with trainers from NASA, the application includes mini games, quizzes, various challenges, and an interactive story mode. This platform initiates the "Space Nation Astronaut Program," which aims to select 100 users for participation in a real-world training camp; from these, 12 individuals proceed to a 10-week intensive astronaut training course. The highest achiever is awarded the designation "Space Nation Astronaut" along with a complimentary space voyage. In May 2018, the company organized a training event for social media influencers in North East Iceland, a site historically used by NASA for Apollo mission preparation.
Details regarding the spacecraft operator for the spaceflight have not been revealed. As of November 2018, commercial space tourism services had yet to commence regular missions.
Crowdfunding campaign
Operating previously under the name Cohu Experience Oy, Space Nation executed a pioneering crowdfunding initiative in early 2017 that amassed over 3.2 million Euros—the initial million was raised within just 43 minutes. The company forecasted revenues reaching 84 million Euros by May 2018, 347 million Euros during 2018–2019, and anticipated a valuation surge to 5 billion Euros by 2019.
Media
In October 2017, Space Nation launched Space Nation Orbit, a lifestyle website, alongside plans for a television program focusing on its physical training camp scheduled for early 2019. Additional projects included the development of "Space Nation Experience Parks," with China identified as a potential location for the first park.
The organization secured a compact "office" measuring 50x50x30 cm aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and holds a NASA Space Act Agreement, granting access to NASA content at no cost for incorporation into its app.
Financial difficulties
In August 2018, Space Nation disclosed financial challenges leading to an indefinite suspension of the "Space Nation Astronaut Program." By November 2018, the CEO communicated to investors that the company had filed for bankruptcy.
By June 2019, Space Nation underwent restructuring and resumed operations based in the United States.