NASA could sell naming rights for rockets: here's why it's a bad idea

NASA plans to sell the naming rights for its rockets and spacecraft to private companies and allow astronauts to appear in commercials.

The Trump administration has been very involved in NASA's programs, with measures such as the closure of the space agency's carbon monitoring system in May and the proposal to divest the international space station to private companies. The sale of NASA rocket naming rights can now be added to the list, although it is unclear whether the idea will gain ground.

NASA plans to sell naming rights for rockets

NASA's director, Jim Bridenstine, has asked the agency to strengthen its brand by selling naming rights for its rockets and spacecraft and allowing astronauts to appear on commercials and cereal boxes as famous athletes.

At a recent meeting of NASA's advisory board, which included external experts providing advice to the space agency, Bridenstine revealed that it would create a committee to analyze issues related to the possibility of masking NASA rockets. jerseys

"Is it possible for NASA to offset some of its costs by selling the naming rights of its spacecraft or the naming rights of its rockets?" said Bridenstine. "I tell you that there is an interest for this at the moment.The question is: is it possible? The answer is: I do not know, but we want someone to advise us if this is Is the case. "

Bridenstine added that he hoped that NASA astronauts would be more open to journalists and participate in marketing initiatives aimed at developing their own brands and those of the space agency.

"I would like to see children growing up, instead of wanting to be like a professional sports star, I'd like to see them grow up wanting to be NASA astronaut or NASA scientist," he said. declared.

Here's why NASA rockets are a bad idea

The proposals are part of a larger effort to increase private sector participation in NASA missions. However, the initiatives have various limitations that make them a bad idea.

In the first place, NASA has long defended the principle of not promoting commercial products or services. Changing this will require new congressional legislation or adjustments to the charter of the space agency.

In addition, NASA rocket advertising may not be important in the long run. Indeed, NASA projects tend to require budgets of several hundred million to billions of dollars, so the sale of identification rights will probably only offset a small portion of the costs of sending rockets and astronauts.

Finally, the masses consider space as "the last frontier", spared by corporate interests. If brands and logos start to invade the space, the negative reaction of NASA fans can be immense.

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