It’s Official: Planet Will Acquire Terra Bella, Signs Data Contract with Google

Istanbul captured on September 29, 2016. Photo: Terra Bella.

Planet officially announced it will acquire Google’s Terra Bella business including the SkySat constellation of satellites. As part of the deal, upon closing, Google will enter into a multi-year contract to purchase Earth-imaging data from Planet.

“We think the SkySat constellation of seven high resolution satellites is highly complementary to Planet’s existing medium resolution 60-satellite fleet. The former enable regular, rapidly updated snapshots of select areas of the globe at sub-meter resolution; and the latter regular, global coverage at 3-5 meter resolution. The two systems under one roof will be truly unique and will enable valuable new capabilities,” said Planet co-founder and CEO Will Marshall on a statement.

With Terra Bella, Planet will diversify its available data and solutions and be able to serve new customers and markets. The company will distribute SkySat data through its suite of geospatial offerings.

As part of this agreement, a number of Terra Bella employees will join Planet to continue working within the combined organization. Both companies have their largest launches scheduled for this year.