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.

Today Google, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced that it would be sponsoring one of the largest cash prize events yet, a $30 million purse for the Google Lunar X Prize. In order to win $20 million, a private company somewhere in the world will have to execute a successful robotic lunar mission within the next 5 years (the next government mission is planned for somewhere within the next 6-8 years), rove around a certain distance, and transmit video back to earth. The other $10 million is set aside for a second place company ($5 million) and other 'bonus' prizes ($5 million).

Calling this private effort to beat governments back to lunar space 'Moon 2.0' Google and the X Prize foundation challenge private companies to extend their footprint in space from the satellites that orbit the planet all the way to the moon.

When the Ansari X Prize for first private vehicle to make it to the edge of space debuted, many were skeptical of the ability of prizes like this to stimulate private business to challenge efforts that were typically large government efforts. A large number of contestants entered, but Burt Rutan, with the financial backing of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) billionaire Paul Allen, won the X Prize with SpaceShip One. Now Virgin Airlines is working with Rutan to commercialize trips to the edge of space, demonstrating the X Prize's viability.

In addition to the Google Lunar Prize, there is also the Bigelow Aerospace prize of $50 million for the first private company to send five people into orbit before 2010.