Astronomers Call for Global Ban on Space Advertising

As private space ventures grow, astronomers are sounding the alarm on the emerging threat of obtrusive space advertising, calling for international action to protect the natural sky and ground-based scientific research.

At the 245th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), leading astronomers issued a plea for a global ban on advertising in space that is visible from the ground. The organization warned that such advertisements—potentially in the form of giant, glowing billboards—could jeopardize the ability of observatories to conduct scientific research while also diminishing the beauty and cultural value of the night sky.

US Federal Ban Loophole

Obtrusive space advertising is defined under U.S. federal law as advertising that “can be recognized by a human being on the surface of the Earth without the aid of a telescope or other technological device.” Although a federal ban in the U.S. prohibits domestic launch licenses for such payloads, astronomers fear that companies from other nations could exploit legal loopholes to bypass these restrictions and pollute the skies.

A Threat to Astronomy and Culture

“The lure of it is so great that I can’t imagine that no one will try,...The commercial value will prompt somebody to do it.” - John Barentine, Dark Sky Consulting and AAS’s Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment (COMPASSE)

Although no imminent projects are confirmed, there are signs of movement in this direction.

In April 2024, a Russian company named Avant Space launched a 3U cubesat designed to test technologies for creating orbital advertisements. The company has proposed plans for a constellation of satellites equipped with lasers capable of forming logos and images visible from the Earth’s surface.

Another Russian firm, StartRocket, previously explored a project involving reflective Mylar sails that would create giant advertisements in the night sky.

While neither company has fully committed to large-scale deployment, Avant Space’s demonstration mission appeared successful, raising concerns that future commercial efforts could soon follow.

“We’re seeing just the beginning of this,” - John Barentine, Dark Sky Consulting and AAS’s Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment (COMPASSE)

A Global Ban Is Essential

The AAS is urging nations to act now, calling for a ban on obtrusive space advertising through international agreements, conventions, or treaties.

“The U.S. federal ban on obtrusive space advertising is a critical bulwark against an insidious fouling of the natural sky by private interests...that ban recognizes that the sky belongs to everyone and must be protected for all humans now and in the future.” - James Lowenthal, Astronomer at Smith College and COMPASSE member

Many believe the U.S. ban is insufficient, as it applies only to launches within U.S. jurisdiction.

“Other countries could approve launches of ‘space billboards’ from their soil that would be visible from around the world...That’s why an international ban is critical.” - James Lowenthal, Astronomer at Smith College and COMPASSE member

The AAS has called on the U.S. delegation to the United Nation’s Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to take the lead in promoting such a ban globally. The hope being the U.S. would advocate for establishing international norms against space advertising, ensuring that nations collectively reject this form of visual pollution.

Space Commercialization and Satellite Proliferation

The call for a ban comes at a time when space is becoming more crowded, not only with satellite constellations but also with the ambitions of private companies seeking commercial opportunities.

Private firms such as SpaceX have revolutionized access to space, launching thousands of satellites that support global internet connectivity and other services. However, this rapid commercialization has also created challenges, with satellite streaks already affecting astronomical observations.

Scientists have developed software to mitigate the impact of satellite streaks on telescope images, but space advertising presents a different challenge. Unlike satellites used for communication or navigation, space ads would be specifically designed to draw attention and remain visible in the night sky.

“Previously, there were very few major players in space—all of them national government-level. Now, we have hundreds or thousands of private space companies with different interests, goals, and operating cultures...Some of those companies may have strong interests in advertising, including in space.” - James Lowenthal, Astronomer at Smith College and COMPASSE member

Cultural and Scientific Impacts

The potential consequences of space advertising extend beyond scientific concerns. Light pollution is already a growing global issue, with many regions experiencing a significant loss of natural night skies.

According to NOIRLab’s Globe at Night project, the brightness of the night sky is intensifying year after year, making it harder for the general public and professional astronomers alike to see stars and other celestial objects.

“For humans at large, the loss of the naturally dark, pristine sky to space billboards would be a profound and devastating one...“The night sky is a source of solace, mystery, awe, and inspiration for countless millions. It connects us to our ancestors, history, and culture...We must protect the night sky as a shared resource—something that transcends corporate profit.” - James Lowenthal, Astronomer at Smith College and COMPASSE member

Challenges Ahead

Despite the urgency expressed by the astronomical community, it remains unclear whether other nations will join the U.S. in adopting bans on space advertising. Some countries may be reluctant to limit potential commercial opportunities, while others may lack the regulatory frameworks necessary to prevent companies from exploiting legal gaps.

Still, the AAS believes that early action could prevent the problem from escalating.

“This is an issue that can be nipped in the bud before it spirals out of control...But we need international cooperation and clear guidelines to make that happen.” - John Barentine, Dark Sky Consulting and AAS’s Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment (COMPASSE)

As the commercialization of space continues to expand, astronomers warn that the next few years could determine the future of the night sky