Planet Labs is turning Berlin into a new satellite center for 45 million euros!

Planet Labs is turning Berlin into a new satellite center for 45 million euros!

The US company Planet Labs today announced plans to open a new production site in Berlin. With an investment sum of around 45 million euros, 70 new jobs are to be created in the capital. Planet CEO Will Marshall announced that state-of-the-art Pelican satellites will be built in Berlin to be used for reconnaissance and other applications. This location is the first of its kind outside of California and will double the company's production.

Planet Labs has been active in Berlin for some time. The company operates a control center in the city that already employs 150 people. Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche and Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär were present at the presentation of the new plans.

New contract with the federal government

In addition to the plans for the new location, Planet Labs has signed a multi-year contract worth 240 million euros with the German government, as Yahoo Finance reported. This contract is funded by the German government and supports European peace and security initiatives.

Under the terms of the agreement, Planet will provide dedicated capacity and direct downlink services on the new Pelican satellites. These satellites not only provide high-resolution imagery, but also timely information and AI-powered solutions to improve situational awareness. Marshall emphasizes that this contract is of great importance for regional security and that the demand for geospatial intelligence continues to increase.

Role of satellites in modern overview

Planet Labs has developed over 600 Earth observation satellites and established its expertise in satellite production. The new capacities in Berlin are intended to enable the federal government to use advanced space-based capabilities without having to build and maintain its own satellite infrastructure. Revenue recognition from the contract will begin in January 2026 and increase over several years.

In the context of ongoing developments in satellite production in Germany, the Berlin location could be part of a larger trend. The joint venture between Rheinmetall and ICEYE is planning to... Defense Network It was announced that production of radar satellites would start in Neuss from the second quarter of 2026. These satellites use microwave radiation and provide high-resolution images regardless of the weather or time of day.

It remains to be seen how these developments will impact the European defense and security landscape. However, investments in satellite technology and production are a clear indicator of the growing interest in innovative space solutions.