Google plans joint venture with Virgin Galactic for launch technology

Google is negotiating with Virgin Galactic in an effort to acquire a stake in the space tourism company owned by British billionaire Richard Branson. The search giant wants to gain access to satellite launch technology.

Sky News reports that. According to the British news channel, Google has been in talks with Branson for months and the negotiations are at an advanced stage. Google would like to put millions of dollars in a joint venture. All technology developed by Virgin Galactic would be placed in this joint venture. On top of that, Google also plans to invest $30 million in Virgin Galactic.

Google seems to want to secure satellite launch technology with its investment plans in Virgin Galactic. The internet giant bought the satellite company Skybox this week for half a billion dollars and in April it acquired the drone builder Titan Aerospace. According to persistent rumors, the company has the ambition to make the internet accessible in remote areas with hundreds of small satellites.