Google to buy Skybox for $500 mn

Internet search provider Google has entered into an agreement to buy satellite maker Skybox for $500 million in cash.

The deal is expected to make the search engine giant to serve as a launching pad to send its own satellite to take aerial pictures and provide online access to remote areas of the world.

Skybox's satellites will help keep Google Maps accurate with up-to-date imagery, the Silicon Valley-based company said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Over time, we also hope that Skybox's team and technology will be able to help improve Internet access and disaster relief — areas Google has long been interested in," it said.