Google's Sergey Brin to Book Space Flight

[engine]

A new investor is likely to occupy one of the two available seats on Space Adventures’ 2011 flight: Sergey Brin, a co-founder of Google. He made a $5 million investment in the company that will serve as a deposit on a future flight.

Space Adventures plans to announce the flight and Mr. Brin’s participation in a news conference Wednesday morning at the Explorers Club in New York.

Mr. Brin, who is president of technology at Google, said in a Space Adventures statement, “I am a big believer in the exploration and commercial development of the space frontier, and am looking forward to the possibility of going into space.”

Google's Sergey Brin to Book Space Flight [nytimes.com]

[ispy]

Commercial development? If a space flight cant take your mind of work, I dont know what can. But at least it will be on record as a business expense tax write off.

[edited by: ispy at 7:20 pm (utc) on June 11, 2008]

[Automan Empire]

There, but for the grace of a few extra million dollars, go I.

Thank you for blazing the trail, Sergey. At least I can fulfill my dream to go to space vicariously.

Realistically, the planet lacks the energy to boost my carcass out of the gravity well just for kicks, but one can dream.
-Automan

[joe in nantucket]

I wonder how much Microsoft is paying to keep him up there.

[LifeinAsia]

But at least it will be on record as a business expense tax write off.

What, he's going to take som pictures from space and integrate them into Google Earth? Yeah, that'll fly (no pun intended) with the IRS!

Seriously- he is making this investment as a private investor and it has no relation to his business. If the company folds and he's out the investment money, THEN he'll have a write-off. Hmm, a $5 million loss written off at $3000/year- that'll take a while to clear off. Then again, he could probably use the loss to offset gains from sellign Google shares.

[PaulPA]

Assuming he actually wants to fly, it will be interesting to see how Google's Board feels about this. Most Boards of publicly traded companies would not support a major executive doing something that is potentially this risky.

[pontifex]

shoot'em up!

[BillyS]

I thought he wanted to build a ladder to the moon [webmasterworld.com]. I guess he's not up for the stairmaster burn.

[bunltd]

There, but for the grace of a few extra million dollars, go I.

Automan, you said, it! I've been interested in going since I can remember.

[pageoneresults]

Most Boards of publicly traded companies would not support a major executive doing something that is potentially this risky.

I would tend to lean toward the above statement. At this phase in space flight, the risk is too great. That may change by the time he is ready to suit up.

This would be the "Ultimate Brand Exercise" in Google's history. That one trip will solidify Google as a household name (as if it isn't already).

I can hear him now while looking out the window as the planet becomes smaller...

"It won't be long... GEarth"

[sem4u]

GEearth, GSpace, GMoon? I'm sure if they could build a base on the moon they would!

[SEOMike]

Google Moon View. :-)
Use Moon View to:
View moon level photographs (select bases)
Take virtual space-walks; pan, rotate and zoom
Explore moon bases, landers, and craters
Find oxygen resupply points, airlocks, freeze-dried ice cream shops, and more!

[HelenDev]

I'm sure if they could build a base on the moon they would!

They did that already didn't they? ;)

[google.com ]

[sem4u]

Sounds interesting :)

They already have good relationships with NASA.