Berlin becomes home to Planet’s new satellite facility

Planet Labs is set to begin production of its next-generation, high-resolution Pelican satellites in Germany. The move expands satellite manufacturing to Europe and responds to growing demand for persistent, high-performance imagery and intelligence solutions.

Planet Labs is a leading provider of daily Earth data and insights. The new investment to produce its next-generation, high-resolution Pelican satellites will significantly strengthen Planet’s presence in Berlin, where nearly 150 people are already employed at its European headquarters. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to add around 70 new roles to the team.

While Planet will continue spacecraft manufacturing at its San Francisco headquarters – where the Pelican production line is already fully ramped up – the new Berlin site will double the company’s overall production capacity for the Pelican fleet.

Eyes of Europe

“We are incredibly excited to soon be building satellites in Germany, and to be doing so in collaboration with the German government as it looks to enhance its capabilities to bolster peace and stability across Europe,” said Will Marshall, CEO of Planet Labs and co-founder of the Planet group. “Simply put, Europe needs its own eyes, and they need it now. Planet is one of the fastest at building and launching imaging satellites, and this German manufacturing facility will double our capacity for Pelican satellites, bolstering our suite of Earth imaging solutions, including our daily scan for broad area monitoring, which only Planet can deliver.”

"Without satellite services – which include Earth observation – our modern way of life would be practically inconceivable. In crisis situations, they are essential for security and the government's ability to act,” said Dorothee Bär, federal minister of research, technology and space. She noted that Planet’s decision to establish satellite manufacturing in Berlin signals Germany’s strength and competitiveness in the space sector, and reflects the country’s ambition to foster innovation and maintain technological sovereignty within Europe’s growing New Space ecosystem.

Her remarks underline how Planet’s decision to expand production into Germany is seen not only as a business milestone but also as a strategic step for the country’s growing New Space sector, reinforcing its role as a hub for innovation and technological leadership in Europe.

Sky is not the limit

"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. 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," said Katherina Reiche, federal minister for economic affairs and energy.

“Planet has a long history in Germany, with Berlin serving as our European headquarters,” said Martin Polak, managing director of Planet Labs GmbH. “From Berlin, we already contribute significantly to the global management of Planet's constellation and drive our extensive business across the EMEA region. The decision to locate our new manufacturing facility here powerfully underscores our commitment to supporting Germany’s long-term economic growth as a European epicenter for global business.”

The move builds on Planet’s rapid growth in Europe, marked by a multi-year €240 million partnership with the German government and a major contract with NATO. Together, these agreements underscore Planet’s role as a trusted provider for organizations aiming to strengthen their strategic capabilities. They also highlight a wider global demand for more frequent monitoring, robust early-warning systems, and agile space solutions.