Is Google Interested In Virgin Galactic's Space Tourism Business? | TechTree.com

Is Google Interested In Virgin Galactic's Space Tourism Business?

Does Google share Sir Richard Branson's dream of going to space, or does it just want to launch satellites?

 

Soon after announcing its purchase of satellite company Skybox Imaging, news of Google being in talks with Virgin Galactic for a possible tie-up has emerged. According to SkyNews, through this deal Google stands to gain crucial satellite launch technology and equity stake in Richard Branson's $2billion space tourism venture.

According to the report, the two companies have been in talks for months now, with talks being in advanced stages. There will most likely be two parts to the deal, with Google investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the formation of a JV with Virgin Galactic, and buying a small stake in the Virgin Galactic holding company.

If the information is true, Google's $30 million investment in Virgin Galactic could value the company at $1.2 billion, which equates to Google owning 1.5% of the company.

While Google may indeed be interested in space tourism, the JV could also open up opportunities for the company to launch satellites in lower earth orbits. With a goal to provide internet access to the most remote corners of the globe, Virgin Galactic could be the key to Google's eyes in the skies.

Google has insisted that Virgin's space flights should begin this year, beating rivals such as Billionaire businessman Elon Musk's similar venture, Space X. Celebrities including Ashton Kutcher, Katy Perry and Sir Richard himself are said to have paid $200,000 (£119,000) to secure seats on the venture’s inaugural flights.

Skybox has developed small, comparatively cheap satellites, which are capable of taking high-quality photographs and videos of the Earth. Google is engaged in a race with internet rivals to extend web access to the billions of people who do not currently have it, by using balloons, drones and satellites.

As days go buy, it actually seems like Silicon Valley is engaged in a space race, with Google and rivaling services like Facebook investing heavily in this area. The benefits are unparalleled, but the risks are equally high.


TAGS: Google, Skybox Imaging, Virgin Galactic, space tourism, Satellites

 
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