Planet Labs Plans Eight-Figure Investment to Double Berlin Satellite Production with 70 Jobs

Planet Labs, a California-based Earth-imaging company, is expanding its satellite production by establishing its first facility outside the U.S. in Berlin, Germany, with an investment exceeding eight figures. This new facility will double the production capacity of their high-resolution Pelican satellite fleet and add up to 70 new employees to the existing 150 staff at its European headquarters. The decision to locate the facility in Berlin was influenced by the city's strong talent pool, proximity to the German government, and Planet Labs' recent €240 million satellite service contract with Germany. CEO Will Marshall emphasized the importance of AI-enabled rapid image analysis for timely military reconnaissance, citing the Ukraine conflict as a key example. The company will continue satellite manufacturing in San Francisco while expanding its European operations to meet growing demand for satellite and intelligence services in Europe. German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche welcomed the move as a positive signal for Berlin's potential as a high-tech hub, noting that the facility did not receive government subsidies.