D-Orbit and Planetek announce a deal to combine on April 4 in Rome. Photo: Planetek

Space logistics company D-Orbit announced a deal on Friday to acquire Italian Earth Observation (EO) and analytics company Planetek Group to bring together in-orbit servicing and space data.

D-Orbit has acquired all of Planetek’s shares. D-Orbit said the two companies will retain operational autonomy, but will “explore new innovative business models and synergies” together. 

Both companies have operations in Italy. D-Orbit was founded in Italy and has operations in Portugal, the U.K., and a new team based in the U.S. The companies announced the combination at an event in Rome at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. 

Planetek focuses on geoinformatics, space solutions, and Earth observation with upstream and downstream solutions. The two companies have collaborated in the past and recently launched the first satellite in a mission called AI-eXpress, which leverages artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. 

D-Orbit Chairwoman Simonetta Di Pippo, former director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, said this combination will bring together in-orbit servicing and data management in space. 

“Consolidating space industry and service-oriented capabilities is more crucial than ever. With D-Orbit and Planetek joining forces, we are elevating this consolidation to new heights. Together, we will provide our customers with a one-stop shop for in-orbit servicing and big data management in space, while introducing a new approach to partnerships,” Di Pippo commented.