Planetary Ventures, an offshoot of Google, will take over management of the Moffett Federal Airfield. The airfield is already regularly used as a landing strip for the private jets of the firm’s billionaire executives. Google has not divulged exactly how the site will be used.
But, according to a Nasa press release, the site will be used for "research, development, assembly and testing in the areas of space exploration, aviation, rover/robotics and other emerging technologies". For Nasa, the sale offers rich pickings – the agreement will provide it with $1.16bn (£731m) in rent over the initial 60-year lease term.
"As Nasa expands its presence in space, we are making strides to reduce our footprint here on Earth," said Nasa administrator Charles Bolden. And for Google, the investment represents an opportunity to restore an iconic building. Part of the deal includes the restoration of Hangar One, an important landmark in Silicon Valley. Built in 1933, it is one of the world’s largest free-standing structures.
Planetary Ventures plans to invest more than $200m in rebuilding Hangar One and two other hangars on the site. It will create an educational facility where the public can explore the site’s legacy and the role of technology on it. "We look forward to rolling up our sleeves to restore the remarkable landmark Hangar One, which for years has been considered one of the most endangered historic sites in the United States," said David Radcliffe, vice president of real estate and workplace services at Google.
Very little is known about Planetary Ventures, the firm behind the deal. Press reports describe it as shell organisation for real estate deals although the name hints at something more. The base, previously maintained by Nasa’s Ames Research Center, is located four miles from Google’s Mountain View headquarters.