Planet Labs GmbH, a US satellite maker, has officially opened a new state-of-the-art satellite manufacturing facility in Berlin, Germany. This move comes less than a year after the initial announcement and is designed to address the increasing demand from the European market, especially for military and intelligence applications. The facility will be instrumental in the production of Planet's 300 kg class, 30-cm resolution Pelican satellites, with the first satellite expected to be completed before the end of the year.
The new 5,700-square-meter facility, located in Berlin's Mitte district, will significantly enhance Europe's sovereign Earth observation capabilities. It is projected to have a production capacity of up to 60 satellites per year, effectively doubling Planet's overall Pelican fleet manufacturing capacity. This investment is anticipated to exceed an eight-figure sum and will create up to 70 new jobs, adding to Planet's existing team of nearly 150 employees in Berlin. The facility will also house various corporate functions, including mission operations, IT, legal, marketing, HR, and sales, streamlining the entire satellite production and deployment process.
Planet's CEO, Will Marshall, emphasized the strategic importance of this facility for Europe's security and sustainability goals, highlighting the need for localized and resilient aerospace innovation. This expansion builds on Planet's strong presence in Europe, where it already has over 30% of its global workforce and offices in multiple cities. The decision to establish this manufacturing hub in Berlin was influenced by the city's talent pool, proximity to the German government, and Planet's existing European headquarters. This initiative follows significant agreements, including a multi-year $240 million contract with the German government and a key contract with NATO, underscoring the rising global demand for advanced satellite monitoring and intelligence solutions.
