Astronomers are calling on countries to ban space advertising that can be seen from Earth. About this informs SpaceNews.
The American Astronomical Society came up with a proposal to ban “intrusive space advertising”. The main reason is that such advertising can interfere with ground-based astronomical research.
While advertising in Earth orbit is already banned in the US, the issue remains unsettled in many other countries. Astronomers fear that companies from abroad may take advantage of this loophole.
“The appeal of it is so great that I can’t imagine anyone not trying it. I think the commercial benefit will push someone to do it.” John Barentin, a member of the Astronomy and Space Environment Protection Committee, emphasized.
According to him, there are currently no specific plans to launch orbital advertising. But the Russian company “Avant Space” in April 2024 launched a cubic satellite that tests technologies for the future creation of a satellite group capable of maneuvering in orbit and forming advertising images with the help of lasers.
Another Russian company, StartRocket, has announced a partnership with its PepsiCo subsidiary to create satellites with solar sails that would reflect light to form logos. However, after testing, “PepsiCo” refused to support this advertising format.
The American Astronomical Society calls for a global ban on space advertising through international agreements, laws or conventions. Scientists also appealed to the US delegation to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to support this initiative.
