Planet Labs expands to Berlin: New production facility with potential

The California-based satellite manufacturer Planet Labs has announced its plan to establish its first production facility outside the USA in Berlin, thereby doubling its capacity for high-resolution satellites. According to CEO Will Marshall, the company will invest an eight-figure sum in this venture. The new production facility will expand the existing team at the European headquarters in Berlin by up to 70 new jobs, currently consisting of 150 employees. The high-resolution Pelican satellites are expected to be capable of analyzing images within minutes using artificial intelligence. Marshall emphasized at the BDI Space Congress in Berlin that the current geopolitical situation, particularly the conflict in Ukraine, has highlighted the importance of timely military reconnaissance services via satellites. Berlin was chosen as the location due to the large talent pool from local universities and its proximity to the German government. This decision was also influenced by a €240 million contract that Planet Labs received from the German government in July for its satellite services. Minister of Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche praised the choice of Berlin as a 'positive signal' for the city's potential as a hub for high-tech companies and clarified that there are no government subsidies for the state-of-the-art facility.