Astronauts just launched on a Soyuz rocket with an energy-drink ad, continuing a Russian tradition
A Russian Soyuz rocket recently launched with advertisements for an energy drink, continuing a trend of commercializing space missions. The rocket also featured charitable messaging, highlighting the dual nature of Russian space marketing.
Why it matters
The commercialization of space assets raises questions about the future of space exploration funding and the branding of government-led missions.
Launches & Spacecraft Astronauts just launched on a Soyuz rocket with an energy-drink ad on it, continuing a Russian tradition News By Elizabeth Howell Published 17 July 2026 Russia and the Soviet Union have done space ads in the past - and the practice may be accelerating.
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