Planet to Double Satellite Production with Berlin Facility
Pelican-2 rendering - © Planet
Planet Labs, a leading provider of global, daily satellite imagery and geospatial solutions, is significantly expanding its Berlin operations with a new manufacturing facility for high-resolution Pelican satellites. According to the company's press release, this strategic investment of €45 million aims to double the production capacity of Planet's satellite fleet to meet growing European demand for Earth observation data.
Investment in Planet's European headquarters in Berlin is expected to create up to 70 new jobs when the facility is fully operational, adding to the nearly 150 people already employed by Planet in Berlin. This expansion comes at a time when demand for persistent satellite monitoring and intelligence solutions in Europe continues to surge.
"The sky is not the limit! Planet Labs' investment in a new high-tech manufacturing facility in Berlin is more than just a location choice — it is a vote of confidence in Germany as a high-tech and space-industry hub," said Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. "The investment creates skilled jobs, provides broad economic spillovers, strengthens the European supply chain, and underscores Germany's role as a driver of innovation and industrial competence."
The decision follows significant business growth in Europe, including a multi-year €240 million agreement with the German government and a key NATO contract. Planet CEO Will Marshall emphasized the urgent need for European satellite capabilities, stating that "Europe needs its own eyes, and they need it now."
Planet will continue manufacturing satellites at its San Francisco headquarters while the Berlin facility doubles overall Pelican production capacity. The company operates the world's largest Earth observation satellite fleet, providing daily global imagery to customers in agriculture, forestry, intelligence, education, and finance sectors, as well as government agencies worldwide.
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