Asgardia: A Real Battlestar Gallactica?

I suppose it wouldn't be considered the Gallactica since it won't be really going anywhere but Earth's orbit, but Earth/ Sky News tells us of a new space idea:

Asgardia, according to the article, is going to be a large space vessel that will be akin to an idependent nation (and they are recruiting, although how you apply to be a citizen isn't exactly clear). The vessel is supposed to circle the Earth and "create a “protective shield” from threats to life on Earth, such as space debris, coronal mass ejections and asteroids.".How they can protect us from coronal mass ejections or anything else doesn't seem to be explained. We only have their word.

Anyway, a neat idea that gives any number of people the chance to apply and go into space.