New Delhi: In an interesting agreement, Internet giant Google has signed a $1.16 billion deal to lease NASA’s Moffett Airfield for space exploration, aviation and other robotic technologies.
Google’s real estate subsidiary Planetary Ventures will pay more than $200 million in improvements at the historic Hangar One site as per the deal.
The move is an addition to Google’s ever increasing list of ambitious projects outside of its main business. Apart from the current endeavour, the company is also engaged in creating 3D sight technology, contact lenses for diabetes patients and conducting research to lengthen an average person’s lifespan.
It is estimated that the lease will save the US space agency approximately $6.3 million annually in maintenance and operation costs and provide $1.16 billion in rent.
Moffett Federal Airfield was constructed in the 1930s as part of the surrounding Moffett Field naval base. The airfield is also home to the Ames Research Center, and was once a location for NASA’s famed “Space Camp” for kids.