Google Takes Over NASA's Moffett Field For Aviation, Robotics

In an interesting agreement, Google will take control of NASA's Moffett Field. the 60-year agreement will see Google invest up to $200 million in the property. Though they're operating and investing in the air strip, which previously used by Google as a private airstrip, NASA will ultimately retain ownership. According to NASA, Google's Planetary Ventures LLC branch, a shell company for investment purposes, will dole out $1.16 billion over the contract, and reduce NASA's operating cost by $6.3 million annually.

On Moffett Field sit three hangars, which Google will use for research and development for space exploration (no, not the space elevator). Here's how Google plans to utilize all three:

Once renovations are complete, Hangar One will again be home to high-tech innovation as Planetary Ventures begins using the historic facility for research, development, assembly and testing in the areas of space exploration, aviation, rover/robotics and other emerging technologies. Hangars Two and Three will be used for similar purposes.

This could all be for Google's Titan Aerospace purchase, as well as other Google X properties like Boston Dynamics. Project Loon could also benefit from the airfield, and let's not forget Google execs like to break landfall records.

Google will also create an educational facility, which will be open to the public. The educational office will educate visitors about the site (likely the history of Moffett) and tech innovations in Silicon Valley.

Source: NASA