Is It a Bird or a Plane? Discover the Reality of Space Advertising

Overwhelmed by the incessant barrage of advertisements? Despite our best efforts and investments to avoid ads, they seep into our digital lives and clutter our daily commutes. Now, the scope of these ads is expanding—yes, we’re talking about space.

The Emergence of Space Advertising: Avant Space Launches an Advertising Initiative

In April 2024, a Russian company called Avant Space took a bold leap into this uncharted territory with the launch of a 3U cubesat. The vision is to establish a constellation of satellites akin to drones in orbit, allowing companies to pay for advertising space where their messages could be visible from Earth. Imagine looking up and spotting brand logos shining brightly in the night sky!

This isn’t a groundbreaking concept; in fact, PepsiCo attempted a similar venture in 2019, testing a method where high-altitude balloons would reflect sunlight to project the Pepsi logo. However, they soon abandoned the project after discovering it didn’t hold much promise for effective visibility.

However, if Avant Space succeeds, our celestial canvas might soon be marred by neon logos rather than twinkling stars. While details are sparse—likely to keep competitors at bay—the potential for businesses to become the first to plaster their name across the cosmos looms large.

A Strenuous Plea from Astronomers: A Call for Global Regulation

Imagine the disruption: an evening of stargazing clouded by commercial advertisements. Many like myself resonate with this sentiment; the night sky should remain a serene escape. Thus, a more significant outcry arises from the astronomy community who fervently seek a global prohibition on space advertisements.

Interestingly, the United States already enforces restrictions against obtrusive advertising in space. Although advertising itself isn’t illegal, any missions that include advertising payloads face a bleak prospect of approval. This regulatory landscape could evolve, yet, as it stands, no space advertising projects launch from US territory.

This does not hinder US companies from collaborating with international enterprises like Avant Space to pursue advertising projects in space. The scientific community’s persistence for a worldwide ban is fueled by the desire to preserve the clarity of our night skies amidst a growing satellite fleet. The American Astronomical Society cautions that such ventures could substantially disrupt astronomical research conducted from Earth, prompting their recent endorsement for a ban.

Person stargazing — Image source: Unsplash

While the sky currently features critical satellites like Starlink, they are designed with essential functions beyond mere advertising. However, the prospect remains that brands increasingly powerful in the digital space might find ways to interfere with the artistry of nature. If you’re hoping for an advertisement-free stargazing experience, consider using a weather application to identify when the skies are darkest.

Image credit: Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is space advertising?

Space advertising refers to the concept of using satellites or other celestial platforms to display commercial messages that can be viewed from Earth.

2. Why are astronomers opposed to space advertising?

Astronomers fear that advertisements in space will clutter the night sky, interfering with astronomical observations and impacting scientific research.

3. What regulations exist regarding space advertising?

Currently, the U. S.prohibits the launch of satellites with advertising payloads, although other countries may allow such projects. Astronomers are advocating for a global ban on space advertising.

Source & Images