Putin approves advertising on Russian spacecraft
Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed legal changes allowing advertisements on spacecraft, a move aimed at bolstering the struggling Russian space program. The amendments, effective from January 1, 2026, permit Roscosmos to place ads on state-owned space objects to attract private investment. This comes amid financial woes for Russia's space sector following international sanctions.
Russia's civilian space program faces significant challenges, including reduced Soyuz crew missions to the International Space Station and the absence of a replacement for the nearly 60-year-old Soyuz spacecraft. The country's launch cadence has declined while the United States and China increase theirs. Access to global markets ended after Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, severing key partnerships with Europe and shifting focus to military programs like anti-satellite weapons.
Late last month, Putin approved amendments to federal laws on advertising and space activities, as announced by Roscosmos on its Telegram account. The Russian State Duma, dominated by Putin loyalists, had previously passed the changes. "According to the amendments, Roscosmos has been granted the right, effective January 1, 2026, to place advertising on space objects owned by both the State Corporation itself and federally," Roscosmos stated. The agency added, "The amendments will create a mechanism for attracting private investment in Russian space exploration and reduce the burden on the state budget."
Safety remains a priority: the law mandates that advertising symbols do not affect spacecraft operations. The government plans to set fees for ads on federally owned objects. Due to sanctions, eligible advertisers will likely be restricted to Russia and its allies, excluding Western companies.
This is not entirely new; rocket-makers often apply decals for customers or occasions, such as the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight. In 2000, Pizza Hut paid $1 million to feature its logo on a Proton rocket launching the Zvezda module for the ISS. However, commercial space advertising has not flourished globally.
Russia's program is in dire straits. In August, RSC Energia chief Igor Maltsev warned, "We need to stop lying to ourselves and others about the state of affairs, convincing ourselves and others that everything is fine with us." The company struggles to pay wages and deliver products, and ad revenue could provide relief, though concerns linger about fund mismanagement.