YOU could become a 'micronaut' by sending some of your own DNA into space thanks to a daring project by a Lower Walton resident.

Marc Dorton has always been fascinated with science, which is why he wanted to give people the chance to join the exclusive group who have been in orbit.

His project will see customers send in hair samples, personal messages, samples of their company's products or even the remains of a loved one for less than £20.

And these will then be sent into orbit, 100km higher than the International Space Station, during a rocket launch off the Californian coast.

“It’s certainly a bit unusual, but I’ve been toying with the idea of how easy it would be to send something into space for some time,” he said.

“After doing some research on the internet about how to do it myself, I came across these little satellites that you can buy and send things into orbit.

“They are usually sent up by testing companies to see how their components work in space, but when I asked if we could send other things up, they said that would be fine too.

“Only 561 people have been into space, so you’ll be part of a very elite club, and when are you ever going to get a chance like this again?"

For Marc, the main aim of the project is to get as many people as possible interested in space.

“Billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson are spending a lot of money on space for a reason, whether that’s for the future of the human race or for tourism,” he added.

“People in the UK don’t seem to be as interested in space compared to other countries and we don’t have a national space programme like they do in America.

“Despite this, we do design and build a lot of space technology and hopefully this project can get more young people aware and involved in space.”

The DNA contained within the satellite will orbit the earth in a polar orbit for between two weeks and three months before safely burning up in the atmosphere, leaving no space junk whatsoever.

Participants will be able to follow the journey on an app after the rocket launch next year.

For more information, go to getmetospace.co.uk.