MarketingProfs

MediaBuyerPlanner: The theme at this year’s Space 2006 conference is commercializing space exploration, with many executives and government officials discussing if and how it’s possible.
That the conference is being held in Silicon Valley is no coincidence, CNET reports. NASA has lined up partnerships with entrepreneurs and technology companies in the area, including Google. According to Pete Worden, director of NASA Ames Research Center, the technology and venture capital prowess here in Silicon Valley will be essential to the new commercial space economy.
NASA recently awarded nearly $278 million to Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), as well as $207 million to Rockplane Kistler, to build new commercial flight systems for the International Space Station. NASA and SpaceX also have a two-year deal to research space tourism possibilities.
As for Google, NASA announced a high-profile alliance with the search giant last year, but few details were given. Nearly a year later, the two organizations are close to finalizing a so-called Space Act agreement.