Astronomers are calling on countries to ban advertising in space that can be seen from the ground. This is reported by SpaceNews.
In early January, during the 245th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, the organization called for a ban on "obtrusive space advertising." The reason for this is the potential interference that such advertising campaigns can create for ground-based astronomical observations.
Advertising in Earth orbit has long been banned in the United States, but this issue is not regulated in other countries. Astronomers are increasingly worried that companies from abroad could take advantage of this.
"The lure of it is so great that I can’t imagine that no one will try," said John Barentine, a member of the Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment. "I think the commercial value will prompt somebody to do it."
Barentine noted that he was not aware of any company planning to launch orbital advertising. However, he mentioned the Russian company Avant Space, which launched a cubic satellite in April 2024. According to the company, this satellite is testing technologies for the future creation of a satellite constellation capable of maneuvering in orbit and using lasers to form logos or other images for advertisers.
In 2019, another Russian company, StartRocket, announced a collaboration with a subsidiary of PepsiCo in Russia to create a space fleet of small satellites that would use solar sails to reflect light and form a logo.
However, after the test, PepsiCo's American headquarters announced that it would not support this format of advertising.
The American Astronomical Society is calling for a global ban on space advertising through the adoption of an international convention, treaty, or law. The organization also asks the US delegation to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to support this initiative.