After the dismantling of the NASA-program, space exploration has shifted towards private players, led by the likes of SpaceX, Axiom, and Buzz Aldrin-backed Moon Express.

And now a Finnish startup and space media companyCohu Experience, is building the social and educational fabric of this movement. And it is using NASA's learnings in the process.

CEO Kalle Vh-Jaakkola says Cohu's mission is to "builda global community centered around space travel and exploration", andmake it possible for anyone to fulfil their childhood dream of becoming an astronaut with the help of Space Nation, a training app developed together with NASA astronaut trainers.

The company just broke a Finnish crowdfunding record,after raising3,2 million from more than 500 Finnish investors. The first million was raised in just 43 minutes.

The money will be used to launch a Space Nation training program in the the Fall of 2017, where candidates will compete through the app by proving theirphysical, intellectual and social skills.

The competition's best candidates will be featured in a TV show, as they go through a bootcamp that determines the ultimate winner astronaut.

We want it to be inclusive so anyone in the world can take part. We want to find those 'Slumdog' astronauts, Vh-Jaakkola toldSpaceNews, referring to the Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" about a teen from the slums who becomes an overnight success by sheer brainpower.

Axiom, a newly founded commercial space company,is one of Cohu's key partners, which aims to build the first private commercial space station at ISS. If everything goes to plan, Space Nation will be providing talent to man that station.

"Space Nation has been incredibly well received internationally. [..] After our launch at Slush, Forbes named us the #1 European startup to watch in 2017," says Vh-Jaakkola.

The project is backed by Peter Vesterbacka of Rovio fame, as well as Mike Suffredini, NASA-veteran and co-founder of Axiom. Further star appeal is provided by Finnish ice hockey veteran Saku Koivu, who is one of the earliest investors and eager about the project's vision.

"Space Nation is more than a space adventure. It unites people from all over the world to develop themselves and reach for their dreams. [The Space Nation training program] is already aiming at further financing from international investors," says Koivu in a press release.

There are many hurdles to pass before the grand plans turn into reality, but one thing is for sure: Peter Vesterbacka's enthusiasm will be the last flame to go out.Vesterbacka, who was key in building Finnish successes Angry Birds and Slush, said in a press release:

Finns are bold and have just the right amount of craziness to build a global phenomenon."

Link:

This Finnish startup democratizes space travel and it just raised over 3 million to find the next 'Slumdog ... - Business Insider Nordic