SpaceX and Canadian Tech Startup GEC are teaming up to launch an ad displaying satellite into space (sort of digital billboard in space). CEO and co-founder of GEC (Geometric Energy Corporation), Samuel Reid said that they are putting efforts to make space advertising possible with the help of Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
The company is currently busy structuring a giant satellite called “CubeSat”, which will have a pixelated display screen on one side where the advertisements, logos, and art will appear, reports Business Insider.
CubeSat will launch into orbit in early 2022 with help of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket which will release it before reaching the moon. Talking with Insider, Reid, who has taught a few of Musk’s kids at the Ad Astra school said,
“Once in orbit, a selfie-stick attached to the side of the CubeSat will film the display screen. This footage will be live-streamed on YouTube or Twitch so anyone can tune in to watch the satellite’s screen.”
To purchase the space for advertisement on the CubeSat, you have to first buy the tokens to display it on the screen. Anyone can purchase advertising space but you have to pay more than someone else is bidding. “There might be some companies that want to represent their symbol…or it might end up being personal and artistic,” Reid said. “Maybe Coca-Cola and Pepsi will fight over their logo and reclaim over each other.”
Five tokens are available to choose from:
- Beta, determining X coordinate.
- Rhoe, determining Y coordinate.
- Kappa, determine the color.
- Gamma, determining the brightness of the display.
- XI, determine the time of displaying your advertisement.
People can also purchase tokens for this digital billboard in space (Cubesat) using cryptocurrencies like ethereum with plans to accept Dogecoin as a form of payment in the future.
“I’m trying to achieve something that can democratize access to space and allow for decentralized participation,” Reid said to Insider. “Hopefully, people don’t waste money on something inappropriate, insulting, or offensive.”
SpaceX has not put its words on this partnership. Reid never met Musk but assumed that he would talk to him directly during the project.