Comet coveted by advertisers
Dan Liftman
March 04, 2011
NASA´s EPOXI space probe passed within 10,000 miles of Comet Hartley II recently, sending back close-up photos that delighted researchers and astronomers around the world. In contrast to past missions of this type, however, the excitement spread beyond the world of space exploration.
With America´s deficit over $1 trillion, NASA´s scientists have been advised of huge cuts in the agency´s budget. As agency officials desperately try to find ways to avoid layoffs and shutdowns of its many programs, a rescue may be in sight. NASA chief Dave Mooney announced today that Prestige Brands, makers of Comet cleanser, have offered to entirely fund the next probe in return for it coming close enough to Hartley II to spray paint the cleaning product´s logo on the large ice ball. Mooney has shared Prestige´s proposal with President Obama and U.S. House and Senate leaders and has received a tentative OK from all of them.
As soon as word of the deal got out, other corporations and businesses of all sizes began approaching NASA with their own proposals. The Mars Corporation, makers of their eponymous chocolate bar, have indicated they want to "book space" on the comet, as well. Sun Bank is also in line for a possible sponsorship, as are the makers of the famous baked snack Moon Pies. Not all of the potential advertisers have astronomical themes, though.
Anticipating huge advertising value from such an unusual location, Target Corporation wants to place its famous logo on the comet. Not to be outdone, Wal-Mart is jockeying for a spot. The world´s largest retailer has already announced it will begin selling inexpensive telescopes in anticipation of being seen by professional astronomers and space hobbyists around the globe. All propositions are being given consideration, Mooney said. One new offer is contingent on an willingness by the World Astronomical Society to change the name of the Comet. A famous maker of pet products has offered $10 million for the right to rename the space rock Hartz Mountain II.
Criticism of the idea of commercializing space has arisen from some quarters, though. A group of Russian astronomers initially blasted NASA scientists as "whores" for even considering such a thing. They dropped their opposition, however, when Russia´s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was offered space on the comet for his likeness and the words "Russian into the future."
With America´s deficit over $1 trillion, NASA´s scientists have been advised of huge cuts in the agency´s budget. As agency officials desperately try to find ways to avoid layoffs and shutdowns of its many programs, a rescue may be in sight. NASA chief Dave Mooney announced today that Prestige Brands, makers of Comet cleanser, have offered to entirely fund the next probe in return for it coming close enough to Hartley II to spray paint the cleaning product´s logo on the large ice ball. Mooney has shared Prestige´s proposal with President Obama and U.S. House and Senate leaders and has received a tentative OK from all of them.
As soon as word of the deal got out, other corporations and businesses of all sizes began approaching NASA with their own proposals. The Mars Corporation, makers of their eponymous chocolate bar, have indicated they want to "book space" on the comet, as well. Sun Bank is also in line for a possible sponsorship, as are the makers of the famous baked snack Moon Pies. Not all of the potential advertisers have astronomical themes, though.
Anticipating huge advertising value from such an unusual location, Target Corporation wants to place its famous logo on the comet. Not to be outdone, Wal-Mart is jockeying for a spot. The world´s largest retailer has already announced it will begin selling inexpensive telescopes in anticipation of being seen by professional astronomers and space hobbyists around the globe. All propositions are being given consideration, Mooney said. One new offer is contingent on an willingness by the World Astronomical Society to change the name of the Comet. A famous maker of pet products has offered $10 million for the right to rename the space rock Hartz Mountain II.
Criticism of the idea of commercializing space has arisen from some quarters, though. A group of Russian astronomers initially blasted NASA scientists as "whores" for even considering such a thing. They dropped their opposition, however, when Russia´s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was offered space on the comet for his likeness and the words "Russian into the future."
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