Planet SkySat imagery of Berlin. Photo: Planet

Planet is growing its presence in Europe by opening a new satellite manufacturing facility in Berlin. At this facility, Planet will produce next-generation, high-resolution Pelican satellites. This strategic decision aims to help Planet meet growing demand from the European market, responding to what it sees as an urgent need for persistent and high-performance satellite and intelligence solutions. Planet announced the new facility, Sept. 25.

Planet called it an eight-figure investment, and the facility is anticipated to add up to 70 employees when fully operationalized. Planet has an existing team of nearly 150 in its Berlin-based European headquarters. This decision follows strong growth of the business in Europe, including a multi-year 240 million euros ($282.3 million) agreement with the German government and a key contract with NATO.

Planet said this will double production capacity for the Pelican fleet. The company will continue manufacturing in San Francisco as well. The Pelican satellites are capable of 40 cm-class resolution imagery, with plans to reach 30 cm imagery with next-generation Pelican satellites to launch next year.

“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,” Will Marshall, CEO of Planet Labs, said in a statement.