When you think of space, you immediately imagine sophisticated technology, high-security areas and highly trained astronauts. But in Copenhagen, Denmark, a bunch of DIY enthusiasts are dreaming of space travel using duct tape, plastic valves and cork tiles bought from the local hardware shop.

This project is literally a case of DIY taking us to infinity and beyond. However, what the enthusiasts lack in resources, they have in experience. One of the enthusiasts building the rocket, Peter Madsen, has already built a 40-tonne submarine with a very limited budget back in 2008. Another enthusiast, Kristian von Bengtson, is an aerospace scientist who worked on Nasa’s Constellation programme. However, he became disillusioned by the notion of space as big business and decided to team up with Madsen and tackle space travel in their own way.

The two met over a coffee, set up the not-for-profit Copenhagen Suborbitals, and in 10 minutes, they managed to sketch out a plan to build a rocket on a shoestring budget. Since then, they have been successful with the most powerful rocket ever flown and the first amateur rocket launch with a full-size crash test dummy in it.

Last month, the duo also managed to create their own DIY spacesuit, using valves and pipes bought from a hardware store. Their ultimate aim is a manned space flight above the Karman line, which is the border between Earth and outer space. If they manage, Madsen and von Bengtson will be the first amateurs to make it into space without government funding.