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Take a cluster of cubesats, shoot them into orbit, outfit them with sunlight reflecting mylar sails, and spell out PEPSI.
Yes, they are working on it.
A Russian company called StartRocket says it’s going to launch a cluster of cubesats into space that will act as an “orbital billboard,” projecting enormous advertisements into the night sky like artificial constellations. And its first client, it says, will be PepsiCo — which will use the system to promote a “campaign against stereotypes and unjustified prejudices against gamers” on behalf of an energy drink called Adrenaline Rush.
Typical reactions toward the idea are as cool as interstellar space, for example when discussed on futurism's forums individuals opined
“This startup made an AI read every dystopian fiction novel and is turning its cursed ramblings into business plans,” wrote one. Another said that “shooting down those ads should be legal.”
StartRocket has now successfully tested the idea out by launching one of their reflectors from a helium balloon into space where it was visible from the ground.
StartRocket plans to launch the system into orbit in 2021. It’s currently raising funds, it says — and a $20,000 investment will buy eight hours of advertising in the night sky.
Hopefully we can use them to project the Milky Way so people can see the stars again.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by SemperOSS on Tuesday April 16 2019, @08:14AM (3 children)
If there is no convention or treaty forbidding that it is high time to create one! Common-sense-people of all countries, unite!
I sincerely hope this is a bad joke gone awry. I can just imagine this situation: "Mum, where is the North Star?" — "Can you see the Pepsi ad? Ignore the other ads. Follow the I from the add upwards and the first big star you see, just between the Coca Cola ad and the Dr. Peppers ad, is the North Star." — "Oh gee. Thanks Mum."
No thanks!
I don't need a signature to draw attention to myself.
Maybe I should add a sarcasm warning now and again?
(Score: 2, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday April 16 2019, @09:13AM (1 child)
If the killbots for our wealthy overlords don't quash us first, the entire night sky being filled with capitalist ads will finally spur on the next socialist revolution, when people realize they can't afford to eat or own a home, but some rich asshole can get their advertising plastered all over *SPACE*. Then again I might be underestimating human greed and stupidity and everyone will simply clamor to fuck over their neighbor in the hopes of someday having THEIR ad plastered all over the night sky. I finally really sad for the aboriginal/native groups of this planet. Can you imagine when the ones who haven't been contaminated by 'modern culture' begin seeing these things in the skies above them? Just wait for the religious pandering with crossing floating across the night sky or text messages stating 'God is watching you from above!'
This is the most depressing post I've sat and thought about since MDC passed. :( *raises a glass*
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday April 16 2019, @11:54AM
Aye. A nuclear apocalypse might just be the best thing that could happen for the planet. Life will go on. With some luck, the humans won't.
(Score: 2) by hemocyanin on Tuesday April 16 2019, @10:19AM
This line makes me think it is: "campaign against stereotypes and unjustified prejudices against gamers." That sounds like a made up issue.