NASA completes sale of Andromeda Galaxy to Samsung for $1 trillion
The major rebranding effort includes plans for a showroom located two light years away.
By WKNA 49 Newsroom • June 18, 2026 • WKNA 49 News

In a move that has domestic and international skywatchers recalibrating their maps, NASA has finalized an unprecedented agreement to sell the naming rights of the Andromeda Galaxy to Samsung Electronics. The deal, valued at approximately $1 trillion, officially rebrands the spiral galaxy as the Samsung Galaxy.
The acquisition marks the most significant commercialization of deep space to date. According to internal reports reviewed by WKNA 49, the technology conglomerate plans to capitalize on the name change by establishing a physical presence within the neighboring system. Plans are currently underway to construct a Samsung showroom located approximately two light years away from Earth, though the logistical timeline for such a project remains unclear.
Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung, addressed the staggering price tag during a recent press conference. Following the formal announcement, accounts suggest Lee appeared surprised by the finality of the transaction, reportedly telling those nearby that he had initially approached the idea with a sense of irony before realizing the binding nature of the $1 trillion commitment.
Astronomers and enthusiasts are already preparing for the transition. Longtime observers noted that this is not the first instance of celestial objects undergoing corporate rebranding. Some community members pointed to the 2006 attempt by Microsoft to acquire Pluto and designate it 'Windows Planet,' a move that was ultimately sidelined when the International Astronomical Union downgraded Pluto to dwarf planet status later that year.
Logistical concerns regarding the update of physical and digital star charts are currently being discussed. While some residents expressed confusion over the rapid pace of change, others noted that corporate branding of geographic and astronomical features is becoming more common, citing previous regional renames such as the Gulf of America.
For those wishing to view the newly renamed Samsung Galaxy, experts say it remains visible to the naked eye under specific conditions. Local stargazers recommend seeking out high-altitude areas with minimal light pollution and zero obstructions for the best visibility.
Questions remain regarding the extent of the rebranding. Some reports indicate that Samsung may look to align its terrestrial product line with other celestial bodies, though these claims have not been confirmed by NASA or the Department of Commerce. For now, the focus remains on the transition of the Andromeda name into the corporate portfolio, providing the tech giant with what many are calling the ultimate expansion of its popular 'Galaxy' brand.
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