Subsidiary of US New Space Firm to Build Satellites in Germany

The announcement was made at a press conference in the German capital on September 25. The company said the investment volume would be “a significant eight figures.”

 “We are incredibly proud to expand our long-running collaboration with the German government as Europe rapidly enhances its capabilities to bolster peace and stability across Europe,” said Will Marshall, CEO of Planet Labs and co-founder of the Planet group. “Europe needs its own eyes, and they need them now. We’re here to provide and can put high quality imaging satellites up far faster than anyone else. This new manufacturing facility will double our capacity to build Pelicans and support our unique satellite services model, which empowers our customers to achieve their critical monitoring needs with confidence, quickly and cost-effectively.”

Founded in 2010 by three NASA scientists, Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest Earth observation fleet of imaging satellites. Its expansion follows strong business growth in Europe, including a multi-year €240 million agreement in collaboration with the German government and a key contract with NATO. Planet Labs will increase its number of employees in Germany by nearly 50 percent.

Two national German government ministers attended the press conference. 

“Without satellite services – which include Earth observation – our modern way of life would be practically inconceivable,” said German Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space Dorothee Bär. “In crisis situations, they are essential for security and the government's ability to act. It is an important signal of commitment to the space sector in Germany that the Earth observation company Planet plans to expand its activities here and establish a satellite manufacturing facility in Berlin. This clearly shows Germany’s attractiveness and competitiveness in the space sector, a sector which is strategically and economically important to our future. We have a flourishing New Space ecosystem and need to use this for pioneering innovations and technological sovereignty. The German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space ensures attractive conditions and guarantees that Germany and Europe are among the frontrunners in the space race.” 

"The sky is not the limit!” said German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche. “Planet Labs investment in a new high-tech manufacturing facility in Berlin is more than just a location choice — it is a vote of confidence in Germany as a high-tech and space-industry hub. The investment creates skilled jobs, provides broad economic spillovers, strengthens the European supply chain, and underscores Germany’s role as a driver of innovation and industrial competence."

Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the German government’s international business promotion agency, and Berlin Partner, the investment promotion agency of the regional state of Berlin, helped Planet Labs find a suitable location and plan the project.

“We are delighted to have assisted Planet Labs in this sizable and geopolitically very important expansion of its German operations,” said Germany Trade & Invest COO Robert Hermann. “We encourage other companies interested in fully using the potential of Europe’s largest economy to contact us and explore the possibilities. Germany welcomes international investments and expansions.”