Messages On Cubesats Won't Be Visible From Earth ... Except Online

The world's first "billboard in space" is set to launch, and the company that developed the concept calls the event "a milestone that marks the increasing importance of CubeSats in Space Exploration."

Researchers at the KU Leuven University in Belgium came up with the novel idea of launching a real billboard into space to help fund their research on NexGen satellites called CubeSats, and from that idea, SpaceBillboard was born. The launch of the billboard is scheduled for January 2016, to be launched from Alcântara,Brazil.

A CubeSat is small - about the size of a milk carton - and lightweight, which makes them cheaper to build and launch. It is the perfect answer for universities and start-ups to get involved in space research. Tjorven Delabie, co-founder of SpaceBillboard said: "This is an out-of-this-world project, that allows companies to bring their brand into space. The idea is catching on, and several companies have already secured their spot."

The messages on the SpaceBillboard will be the highest and the fastest ever seen in the industry, flying at 17,000 miles per hour at an altitude of about 300 miles. The Billboard will orbit the Earth 15 times a day, becoming the first advertisements that literally bring their message around the world.

Although the billboard will not be visible from Earth, all messages will be continuously visible on the SpaceBillboard website as well as used in the customers' branding campaigns.

SpaceBillboard is a novel kind of crowdfunding project for private and corporate donors. For companies, buying one or more of the 400 available squares at €2500 (approx. $2,900) is a perfect opportunity to showcase their innovative spirit. A personal message can also be sent into space for €1/character ($1.16). So far, many have already signed up to share their message.

Once the SpaceBillboard has been sold out, it will be put on the CubeSat. The CubeSat is expected to operate in orbit for up to ten years. After that, it will burn up in the atmosphere, ensuring that no space debris is left behind.

(Image provided by SpaceBillboard)

FMI: http://www.spacebillboard.com