Who runs Google Earth?

Recently I've read a few threads about google earth which got me thinking, Who runs google earth?

i was thinking of this because the original creators of google, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, wouldn't have the technology or money to get multiple satellites up, even though they are rich.

so then where do the get there satellites from?
do America have them for hire?

so then if they don't have satellites do they buy the images, if so from who?
it is possible that the images were bought off NASA. so thats another theory.

and then to my final theory. are Google just a sponsor? is Google earth run by the US Government?

i would like to here your thoughts on the subject.

Start here (wiki). What is Google Earth

Originally posted by staple
Start here (wiki). What is Google Earth

You know it's almost ironic. All they had to do was GOOGLE it and they could have found out the answer all by them selves

Very well done staple