We all know that Opera is the most innovative browser on the market. It was for example the first browser to introduce tabbed browsing and now every browser out there offers this feature. The Norwegian software company has once again showed it is willing to go where no man has gone before.

In a press release Opera Software today announced that it is taking the browser wars to astronomical heights. The company will inaugurate its Future Opera Operations in Lunar Surroundings program, an ambitious program that will focus on developing the first web browser in space, Opera Space Edition.

"I believe that this company should commit itself to achieving the goal of putting a Web browser in space," said Jon von Tetzchner, co-founder, Opera. "No single space project in this period will be more impressive to other browser makers or more important for the long-range exploration of the Web, and none will be so difficult to accomplish. But, in a very real sense, it will not be one browser going to space – it will be an entire industry. For all of us must work to bring it there."

As Opera Software detailed Opera Space Edition will feature the following top innovations:

• Interplanetary Network Transport Protocol (INTP) – provides long-range Internet connectivity.
• Mission Mode – Mission Control can monitor and adjust all browser operations, except when in private browsing mode.
• Augmented Reality Browsing (ARB) – web content is rendered as a transparent overlay compatible with all major space suit Visual Retinal Displays (VRDs) or Heads-up Displays (HUDs).
• Optimized UI skin for touch screens when using gloves – gloves are automatically detected by the browser which zooms in to allow precision selection within the user interface.

For the time being Opera Space Edition is in closed beta testing. To give the first Web browser in space a try you need to sign up here. Everyone is welcome to Opera’s Future Opera Operations in Lunar Surroundings program – or F.O.O.L.S. for short.