Now here’s some interesting news about Google!<\/p>\n
Web search firm Google has formed a partnership with US space agency Nasa in an effort to harness new technology which could boost the space programme.
\nGoogle is to build a new office complex on the site of Nasa’s research facility in California, close to its own headquarters in Silicon Valley. <\/strong><\/p>\nThe two companies will co-operate in a range of areas including IT solutions, data management and nanotechnology.<\/p>\n
It would look to “bring entrepreneurs into the space programme”, Nasa added.<\/p>\n
A new frontier? <\/strong><\/p>\n
The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding, although the financial terms of the joint venture were not disclosed.<\/p>\n
Google is expanding rapidly and recently raised more than $4bn for new projects by selling shares in the company.<\/p>\n
As part of the venture, Google will develop one million square feet of real estate at the Nasa Ames research centre.<\/p>\n
The centre, built in 1939, has been at the heart of the US space program for many years, conducting research into the Apollo moon missions between 1963 and 1972.<\/p>\n
Nasa recently unveiled plans to make another moon landing by 2020.<\/p>\n
Examples of areas of potential collaboration include the development of new types of remote sensors and improving analysis of engineering problems.<\/p>\n
“Google and Nasa share a common desire, to bring a universe of information to people around the world,” said Eric Schmidt, Google’s chairman and chief executive.<\/p>\n
“Imagine having a wide selection of images from the Apollo space mission at your fingertips whenever you want it.”<\/p>\n
Scott Hubbard, director of Nasa Ames Center, claimed the partnership could provide a huge range of potential benefits to the space programme.<\/p>\n
“While our joint efforts will benefit both organisations, the real winner will be the American public,” he said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n