Space Experts Advocate for Worldwide Prohibition of Space Marketing Before Opportunities Vanish
Space enthusiasts are demanding a worldwide ban on advertising in space, as commercialization and privatization stir up rapid developments in the realm of spaceflight. This call to action was echoed in a statement released by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in October 2024.
The statement highlighted concerns about the impact of space activities on humanity's scientific understanding of the universe. These activities include the proliferation of satellite constellations, space debris, and radio- and electromagnetic interference. Furthermore, there's a looming threat of unsightly space billboards in low Earth orbit.
The AAS firmly believes that "obtrusive space advertising should be prohibited by appropriate international convention, treaty, or law." The US already has a domestic ban on such advertising, classifying it as any payload containing advertising material capable of being observed from Earth without the aid of telescopes or other devices.
James Lowenthal, an astronomer at Smith College, and a member of the AAS’ Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment (COMPASSE), underlined the US federal ban as "a critical bulwark against an insidious fouling of the natural sky by private interests." However, he emphasized the need for an international ban to prevent other countries from launching "space billboards" from their territories.
Two Russian companies, Avant Space and StartRocket, have expressed interest in launching advertisements into space. Despite PepsiCo’s initial agreement with StartRocket for an energy drink promotion, the companies failed to follow through following exploratory tests.
Though the call for a ban is gaining momentum due to rapid commercialization in space, it comes with complications. Space constellations for satellite communication, operated by private companies like SpaceX, are increasing. These constellations, though not used for advertising, pose challenges to astronomers by causing streaks in images and cluttering low Earth orbit.
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by space advertising, astronomers are pushing for global action. The AAS urged the US delegation to the United Nations' Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to push for keeping the skies clear of space ads.
Incorporating the enrichment data, private companies, particularly those in Russia, are exploring the feasibility and potential financial gains of space-based advertising. However, this commercial interest clashes with the concerns of the astronomical community, who see the night sky as a priceless cultural and scientific resource. The call for a global ban on space advertising is driven by concerns about disruption of research and visual pollution of the night sky, which connects humans with their history and cultural heritage. The AAS emphasizes the urgent need for international cooperation to address this issue before it escalates further.
The future of space exploration might be threatened if space advertising becomes a norm, as expressed by the AAS, who worry about disruptions to scientific research and visual pollution of the night sky. The rapid advancements in technology and science, such as the proliferation of satellite constellations, could be further complicated by the introduction of space billboards.
