Credit: Planet
US-based Earth observation data provider Planet has announced that it will open a new manufacturing facility in Germany, where it will produce its next-generation Pelican satellites.
In July, Planet announced that it had been awarded a €240 million contract from the German government to provide dedicated capacity on its Pelican satellites over specific European regions. The deal also includes access to data from the company’s Dove and SkySat constellations, as well as “AI-enabled solutions.”
On 25 September, Planet announced plans to open a new production facility in Berlin to build its next-generation Pelican satellites. The company said the site would double its overall production capacity for the constellation. The new facility is expected to add up to 70 new employees to the company’s German subsidiary.
“The investment creates highly qualified jobs, provides broad economic stimulus, strengthens European supply chains, and underscores Germany’s role as a driver of innovation and industrial expertise,” said Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy.
While Planet did not disclose its expected investment in the new facility in its 25 September press release, an announcement published the same day by Berlin-Partner, Berlin’s economic development agency, estimated the figure at approximately €45 million.
“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 PBC.
While the Planet announcement didn’t directly link the decision to build the new manufacturing facility in Germany with the country’s awarding of a €240 million contract, the 25 September press release attributed the “strategic decision” to growing demand in Europe. The press release also explained that the decision “follows strong growth of the business in Europe, including a multi-year €240 million agreement in collaboration with the German government.”