Outer space is known for harsh conditions and lack of branding, yet that could be about to change thanks to a Canadian startup planning to launch advertisements into space.
The company, Geometric Energy Corporation (GEC), has designed a satellite capable of running images on a pixelated display, due to be launched by SpaceX next year.
In an interview with Business Insider, GEC co-founder Samuel Reid explained that the advertisements will be exhibited on the side of a small, cube-shaped satellite known as a CubeSat. Those wishing to purchase advertising space will have to buy tokens to claim, locate, and design a specific pixel on the display.
Five different token types are available, one of which determines the X coordinate of the pixel while another decides the Y coordinate. Another two allow buyers to control the color and brightness of their pixel, while the final token determines how long the advertisement will last.
Once in orbit, a selfie-stick will be used to film the display and live stream it to YouTube or Twitch, allowing all Earth-dwellers to tune in to the satellite-hosted advertising marathon.
While the price of these tokens has not yet been announced, Reid did confirm that the company will only accept cryptocurrencies in exchange for advertising space – something he says will help to "democratize access to space and allow for decentralized participation."
CubeSats are small, lightweight satellites that can be used for a variety of purposes, often hitching a ride into orbit on rockets that have extra space. The CubeSat being designed by GEC is scheduled to piggyback on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket as it makes its way to the moon next year.
While the concept is likely to appeal to businesses wishing to tap into unique advertising channels, Reid says that artists and other people with less commercial interest can also buy up pixels. “There might be companies which want to depict their logo ... or it might end up being a bit more personal and artistic," he explained.
"Hopefully, people don't waste money on something inappropriate, insulting or offensive.”
[H/T: Business Insider]
