Planet Labs PBC has successfully launched Pelican-11, a technology demonstration satellite designed to validate capabilities for its second-generation (Gen 2) high-resolution Pelican fleet. The spacecraft was deployed to orbit aboard the Transporter-17 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Planet has established initial contact with the satellite and commenced the commissioning process.

Pelican-11 serves as a dedicated engineering pathfinder to test new hardware and calibration methods in the space environment before integration into the production Gen 2 fleet. While the current Gen 1 Pelicans capture imagery at up to 50 cm class resolution, the Gen 2 satellites are designed to deliver up to 30 cm class imagery. This tech demonstration satellite is not expected to produce commercially available data.

The launch supports Planet's strategy to scale its high-resolution, AI-powered monitoring capacity to meet growing global customer demand. The company plans to launch additional Pelican spacecraft over the next year to expand its constellation.

Pelican Fleet Specifications

Planet Labs PBC is a public benefit corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange as PL. The company designs, builds, and operates a fleet of Earth observation satellites, providing data and insights to agriculture, forestry, intelligence, and government sectors.

Planet Labs Germany has appointed Wolfgang Schmidt, the former German Federal Minister for Special Affairs and Head of the Federal Chancellery, to its European Advisory Board. The appointment strengthens the company's strategic leadership as it expands its presence in Europe and advances plans for a new satellite manufacturing facility in Berlin. This facility will serve as Planet’s European center for advanced satellite manufacturing, reinforcing Germany’s role in the New Space ecosystem.

Wolfgang Schmidt brings extensive knowledge of the German, European, and international political landscapes to the role. In addition to his tenure as head of the Chancellery, Schmidt oversaw the intelligence services at the Federal level in Germany. His experience is expected to support Planet as it navigates the evolving European policy landscape and meets the needs of its growing customer base.

Will Marshall, Co-Founder and CEO of Planet, highlighted the value of Schmidt’s expertise in facilitating partnerships and European policymaking. Marshall noted that Schmidt’s experience will be invaluable as Planet expands its manufacturing operations in Germany, underscoring the company's long-term commitment to the region.

Martin Polak, Managing Director of Planet Labs Germany, emphasized the strategic importance of Berlin as a hub for Planet’s activities. He stated that the investment in satellite manufacturing reflects a commitment to strengthening Europe’s industrial capabilities in Earth observation.

Schmidt joins existing European Advisory Board members, including Carl Bildt, Dr. Neelie Kroes, David Miliband, Oleksii Reznikov, and Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen. The board guides Planet’s strategic expansion in Europe and helps navigate the region's policy environment.

European Advisory Board Members