Google and the moon?

Let me first say that this post is 'on the lighter side of things', and is not intended to be serious. That said, don't discount the possibilities.

If you haven't heard about Google's offering to anyone who can launch a lunar rover to the moon, then read up. Why might Google want this to be done?

Servers. Yes, that's right. If Google could launch servers to the moon at a low $30 Million, it would be cheaper. Why? Many reasons.

1. Physical security. Not just anyone can get to the moon. And of those that could, they would be known, and can be monitored. Furthermore, any data they send could be monitored and/or jammed, or their landing location would be determinable for pickup. Plus Google has eyes watching the moon at their whim, giant eyes in the sky. Physical security overrides every other security.

2. E-Security. Even if there is some noteworthy flaw in the server's security or Google's access to these machines, there would be small windows of time when the machines could be contacted. This would mean that the times to watch for attackers would be much smaller. Furthermore, since Google would be the only one officially accessing it, it would be easy to filter by IP, MAC address, etc. They could also use very precise laser communication so you have to have a certain physical location to have any access.

3. Space. Yes, there is almost limitless space available up there for the taking. If Google launched their servers up there, it would be at least a few years before real estate would be in more demand up there. So Google could claim say, 20 acres for nothing but servers. They wouldn't need a building, as there wouldn't be rain or storms or people.

4. Electricity. Since space would be at practically no cost--just the cost to get there and set up, Google could have massive solar arrays to power the servers. Power would be 'free'.

5. Cooling. Probably one of Google's largest issues right now. The fact that the moon has only 1/4 of an inch of dust covering rock, and since rock is a fairly good conductor of heat, the moon could be used as a giant heatsink. Furthermore, if machines were used to drill into the rock, liquid (or compressed gas) could be pumped into the rock to extend the depth of the heatsink.

So, is free cooling, 'free' power, free land and free security worth the cost of flying (several trips) to the moon? Well, since data centers cost millions by themselves, and the staff to run it costs a minimum of $50K/person/year, for at least 100 people, and land around here typically goes for hundreds of thousands by the acre (plus the cost of preparing it), , plus security, plus electricity, plus.... It probably is worth tens of millions to do it.

Is there a lunar data center in the future? I guess we will have to ask the man on the moon, as he would be the one Google has to negotiate with.