Why would Google make a deal with Virgin’s space tourism arm?

Google is in talks with Virgin Galactic about a deal that will hand it crucial access to satellite-launch technology and an equity stake in Sir Richard Branson’s $2bn (£1.2bn) space tourism venture.

Google just spent $500 million to buy Skybox imaging. From Bloomberg:

Skybox has only a single satellite in orbit right now but plans to fly a fleet of them to cover the entire globe at all times.

If they consummate a deal with Virgin Galactic, Google will have the delivery vehicle they need to maintain and operate their fleet of satellites.