This Russian start-up will put billboards in space by 2021
After a cherry-red sports car and disco ball, billboards are set to go into space. We know the idea sounds weird, but Russian start-up StartRocket has actually detailed a plan to place giant 'constellation-like' ads in the night sky. They want to launch the mission by 2021, meaning you could see ads floating over your home in a matter of few years. Here's more.
Next-level marketing: Launch glowing billboards in space
The team at StartRocket wants to launch satellite-powered billboards to take marketing to a whole new level. They have already presented a concept video that shows how an 'Orbital Display,' formed from tiny cubesats, will orbit Earth at an altitude of 400-500km and present custom messages promoting different brands and companies -- just like a real glowing constellation.
Sun will be the source of light for this display
The massive 'space billboard' will use Sun as a light source for glowing up in the night sky. The company says the display would be able to present 3-4 custom messages to seven billion people on a single day. However, it is important to note that at one particular time the message would be visible only for about six minutes from the ground.
Statement from project leader Vlad Sitnikov
"The economy is the blood system of society. Entertainment and advertising are at its heart," project leader Vlad Sitnikov told Futurism while expressing confidence on the project. "We will live in space, and humankind will start delivering its culture to space."
Launch is targeted for 2020
StartRocket plans to launch the mission in 2020 and glow up the night sky by 2021. There are not many details on the progress of the project, but we expect to see some outcry over the idea of hijacking night sky for the purpose of marketing. To recall, Rocket Lab, the start-up that launched a glowing disco-ball last year, was heavily criticized by astronomers.
Possible problems in the way
Governments could raise concerns over this project, especially because it would add to the problem of junk in space. Not to mention, many could even raise alarms over aviation safety due to the presence of these glowing cubesats over planes.
