Putin Approves Plan to Turn Russian Spacecraft into Flying Billboards
MOSCOW — In a move seen as a desperate attempt to revive Russia's struggling civilian space program, President Vladimir Putin has approved changes to federal laws governing advertising and space activities. The new regulations will allow for the placement of advertising on spacecraft, effectively turning them into flying billboards.
According to Roscosmos, Russia's official space agency, the plan aims to generate revenue and offset declining participation in international space missions. "This is a pragmatic decision that acknowledges the economic realities facing our space program," said Dmitry Rogozin, head of Roscosmos. "We need to think creatively about how to sustain ourselves in this challenging environment."
The move comes as Russia's access to global markets has dwindled since Putin launched the country's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The conflict led to a breakdown in key space partnerships between Russia and Europe, including those with NASA and the European Space Agency.
Russia's once-dominant launch cadence has been on a downward trend for years, with fewer Soyuz crew missions being sent to the International Space Station. A replacement for the nearly 60-year-old Soyuz spacecraft remains elusive, leaving many in the space community concerned about Russia's long-term prospects.
"This is not just about advertising; it's about survival," said a Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Russia needs to find new ways to stay relevant in space, and this plan is a desperate attempt to do so."
The approval of the new regulations has sparked debate among experts and lawmakers, with some questioning the ethics of placing advertisements on spacecraft.
"This is a slippery slope," said Alexei Kudrin, a Russian lawmaker. "If we allow advertising on spacecraft, where will it end? Will we start selling space for commercial purposes?"
Despite the controversy, Roscosmos remains committed to implementing the plan. The agency has already begun exploring partnerships with private companies interested in placing advertisements on Russian spacecraft.
The next step is for Roscosmos to develop guidelines and regulations for the placement of advertising on spacecraft. The agency plans to hold a series of public consultations before finalizing the rules.
As Russia's space program continues to face challenges, the approval of this plan marks a significant shift towards commercialization. Whether it will be enough to revive Russia's struggling space industry remains to be seen.
Background:
Russia has been reducing its participation in international space missions since 2022.
The country's access to global markets has dwindled due to the invasion of Ukraine.
A replacement for the Soyuz spacecraft remains elusive, leaving concerns about Russia's long-term prospects.
Additional Perspectives:
The plan has sparked debate among experts and lawmakers, with some questioning the ethics of placing advertisements on spacecraft.
Western diplomats have expressed concern that this move is a desperate attempt to stay relevant in space.
Current Status and Next Developments:
Roscosmos will develop guidelines and regulations for the placement of advertising on spacecraft through public consultations.
The agency plans to hold a series of meetings with private companies interested in placing advertisements on Russian spacecraft.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
