Even though it might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, scientists are actually looking into the possibility of billboards in space. A group of Russian researchers has written a report saying that a constellation of 50 satellites that act as billboards could cost about $65 million and still make money.
Researchers from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) and the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology did the investigation (MIPT). It offers a strong case for space advertising, which is visible everywhere on Earth.
In this analysis, a constellation of 50 satellites with a 12U CubeSat volume is did look at. They’ll place in a sun-synchronous orbit. Where they’ll always be moving toward the sun as the Earth goes around its yearly path.
After going into space, these satellites will open up parabolic reflectors that will direct sunlight toward Earth in a single chart, making a holographic advertisement. From Earth, it looks like all of the stars are moving at the same time. Satellites could move themselves to show ads that are specific to certain areas.
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In the most optimistic cases, scientists think that these commercials will bring in a net income of about $111 million. But this depends on showing the right ads to the right people.
But this does not necessarily mean that space advertising is used, remember that most people would rather not look up at billboards. At first, seeing a bright star in the sky could be exciting. But after a few minutes, it would no longer be interesting.
But given the state of technology, we shouldn’t expect to see ads in space any time soon. The wait time could be pretty long.
