It seems that Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) is not only interested in conquering virtual space but outer space as well. Through the ever expanding horizons of billionaire Google co-founder Sergei Brin, Google has created together with the X PRIZE Foundation the Google Lunar X PRIZE. Like so many Google activities, this is a very long-term enterprise.

Our architecture practice has done work for the aerospace industry, including the structural test lab for the space shuttle and other unique projects. This created the impetus for our involvement with numerous interesting organizations, one of which is the X-Prize Foundation. It and the Ansari Family Foundation were instrumental in the promotion through a $10 million prize to privately fund sub-orbital travel.

We had the spectacular privilege of being present at both launches of Space Ship One from the Mojave Spaceport (thanks JSS) near Edwards Air Force Base that managed to put a manned vehicle outside the atmosphere for a duration of 60 seconds twice in a ten-day period. Space Ship One, the winning entry, was designed and built by Burt Rutan, supported by funding from Paul Allen.