Why Google leases an old NASA Hangar?

NASA signs 60-year lease with Google’s Planetary Ventures LLC for use of Moffett Airfield and restoration of Hangar One. No one knows why.

Image © Above Hangar One at Moffett Field, Calif., taken in 1999.

All images credit: NASA Ames Research Center

In an effort to reduce costs and shed surplus property, NASA signed a lease with Planetary Ventures, LLC to manage Moffett Federal Airfield (MFA), an agency facility located in Moffett Field, California, and rehabilitate its historic Hangar One. NASA estimates the lease will save the agency approximately $6.3 million annually in maintenance and operation costs and provide $1.16 billion in rent over the initial 60-year lease term.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, said:

“As NASA expands its presence in space, we are making strides to reduce our footprint here on Earth. We want to invest taxpayer resources in scientific discovery, technology development and space exploration – not in maintaining infrastructure we no longer need. Moffett Field plays an important role in the Bay Area and is poised to continue to do so through this lease arrangement.”

GSA Administrator Dan Tangherlini, said:

“Hangar One is an important landmark in Silicon Valley. GSA was proud to support NASA in delivering the best value to taxpayers while restoring this historic facility and enhancing the surrounding community.”