Introduction

Astronomers are sounding the alarm over the escalating threat of space advertising that could soon be visible from Earth, pushing for an international ban aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the night sky for vital scientific research.

Concerns Raised at AAS Meeting

During the recent 245th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), astronomers outlined their concerns and called for countries worldwide to prohibit disruptive space advertising. This form of advertising, as defined by U.S. federal law, refers to any ads that can be seen with the naked eye from Earth without the aid of telescopes or other technology. Experts warn that such advertising could interfere with ground-based astronomical observations, which rely on a clear night sky.

Current Legal Framework

While current U.S. federal law has prohibited space advertising for decades—banning the issuance of launch licenses for missions intended to display advertisements in space—there is rising apprehension among astronomers that other nations may not adopt similar measures, posing new challenges for astronomical research. John Barentine, a prominent member of the AAS’s Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment (COMPASSE), raised concerns that commercial interests could motivate some countries to initiate space advertising campaigns.

Emerging Commercial Interests

Notably, while there are no current active space advertising projects, Barentine pointed to a recent initiative by Russian firm Avant Space. In April 2024, Avant Space launched a 3U cubesat designed to test technologies for a proposed network of satellites capable of projecting logos and images into space using lasers. Although specific details of this technology are still under wraps, Barentine believes that a successful demonstration could lead to the emergence of future commercial space advertising efforts—potentially cluttering our night sky.

Previous Ventures

Adding to this concern is the case of StartRocket, another Russian company which made headlines back in 2019 for its plans to collaborate with PepsiCo’s Russian subsidiary to create space-based advertisements. The ambitious plan involved utilizing small satellites with Mylar sails to reflect sunlight and produce logos visible from Earth. However, any dreams of this venture were dashed when PepsiCo’s U.S. headquarters distanced itself from the initiative after conducting preliminary tests with high-altitude balloons.

Call for Global Action

In light of these increasing endeavors, the AAS is fervently advocating for a global ban on intrusive space advertising, urging the international community to adopt comprehensive conventions, treaties, or laws prohibiting such activities. They are especially calling on the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to take the lead in promoting this initiative.

Conclusion

Barentine emphasized the need for a global standard against space advertising, asserting that it would help protect both the scientific integrity and the aesthetic beauty of the night sky for generations to come. This issue, he hopes, will gain traction and become a significant focus in international discussions on space policy.

As commercial interests in space continue to grow, will the night sky remain untainted for future generations? The fight to keep our cosmos clear has only just begun, and the outcome depends heavily on global cooperation and strong regulations.