Which startup company acquired the satellite imaging business of Google in the year 2017?

Introduction / Context:
Technology news and business current affairs often include questions about major acquisitions and mergers. In two thousand seventeen, Google sold its satellite imaging business, which had originally been acquired as Skybox Imaging and later renamed Terra Bella. The question asks which startup bought this business from Google.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- We are told that Google sold its satellite imaging business in twenty seventeen. - Four space or satellite related startup names are given. - We need to recall which of these companies took over Terra Bella from Google.

Concept / Approach:
Planet Labs, a company focused on imaging the Earth with a large fleet of small satellites, acquired Terra Bella and its SkySat constellation from Google. As part of the deal, Google also agreed to purchase satellite imagery from Planet in the future. Exam questions summarise this event by asking which startup acquired Google s satellite imaging business, expecting Planet Labs as the answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Terra Bella, previously Skybox Imaging, was Google s satellite imaging division. Step 2: Remember coverage of a deal in which Planet, often called Planet Labs, took over this business from Google. Step 3: Match the name Planet Labs with the options and see that it appears as one of the choices. Step 4: Recognise that NovaWurks, PlanetiQ and UrtheCast are other companies in the space sector but were not the ones involved in this particular acquisition. Step 5: Conclude that Planet Labs is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
News reports from early twenty seventeen and technology business summaries clearly state that Planet agreed to acquire Terra Bella from Google. They mention the transfer of satellites and staff and note that Google would rely on Planet for future imagery purchases. These details confirm that Planet Labs is the company associated with this transaction.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
NovaWurks is involved in modular satellite technologies but did not buy Google s satellite imaging unit. PlanetiQ focuses on weather and climate data from satellites and is not associated with the Terra Bella acquisition. UrtheCast is another Earth observation company that has its own projects, but it did not acquire Terra Bella from Google.

Common Pitfalls:
Because several startups operate in the Earth observation sector, names can be confusing. Some test takers may recall that Terra Bella was a smaller company and mistakenly assume that any lesser known option must be correct. Instead, they should remember the specific widely reported deal between Google and Planet Labs, which emphasised the combination of two major constellations of satellites.

Final Answer:
The startup that acquired the satellite imaging business of Google in twenty seventeen was Planet Labs.