Google to Invest in Satellite Internet

The search engine giants are considering investing in SpaceX, Space Exploration Technologies Corp, the space flight company, in order to launch satellites to further increase internet coverage. If the investment goes ahead, it would provide yet another method of providing internet to the world. With Google to invest in satellite internet, the company has previously announced its proposed plans to launch weather balloons into the sky, carrying the capability to host wireless internet, titled ‘Project Loon’. It would work by users connecting to the balloon’s from their mobile phones or devices which then would bounce internet signals back down to Earth.

Facebook is also exploring different avenues of internet coverage in an effort to provide the service to more people. Currently, just under 50% of the entire internet connected world is signed up to the social media, so Facebook hope to improve that by reaching a further untapped source in those unable to access the internet. The company is looking into low-flying solar-powered drones to provide improved connectivity online.

The investment in SpaceX is supposedly in the billion dollar range, with the exact sum unknown. SpaceX is the world’s first company to secure a contract to restock the International Space Station. SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, with the long term goal of eventually colonising Mars. The company’s chief executive, Elon Musk, is expected to announce plans for a mission to Mars this year.