Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 30, Planet Labs, a company founded in 2010 by three former NASA scientists, has announced the expansion of its operations in Berlin with the opening of a new satellite manufacturing facility. The move follows a €240 million multi-year agreement with the German government and a major contract signed with NATO.

The new Berlin site will focus on producing next-generation Pelican satellites, a high-resolution imaging fleet that provides Earth observation services. The investment is valued at more than eight figures and is expected to create up to 70 new jobs. It will operate alongside Planet’s existing manufacturing facility in San Francisco, which recently increased production of Pelican satellites.

Planet Labs CEO and co-founder Will Marshall highlighted the importance of the new facility: “With this expansion, we’re not only building satellites faster, we’re empowering Europe with greater autonomy in Earth observation. Europe needs its own eyes in the sky, and they need it now. This facility in Berlin will double our Pelican satellite production, enhancing our ability to deliver persistent, high-resolution imaging and data services globally.”

The expansion comes as demand for satellite-based intelligence grows across Europe, supported by the need for improved monitoring capabilities in multiple sectors. The high-resolution imaging provided by the Pelican satellites will support industries including agriculture, forestry, national security, and finance, offering near real-time change detection and enabling quicker responses to evolving conditions.

German officials welcomed the investment. The federal minister of research, technology and space said: “Without satellite services – including Earth observation – modern life is practically inconceivable. This expansion sends a strong signal of commitment to Germany’s role in space innovation. It underscores the attractiveness of our ecosystem and highlights how we’re creating conditions for Germany and Europe to be frontrunners in the global space race.”

Katherina Reiche, federal minister for economic affairs and energy, added that the decision reflected confidence in Germany’s industrial and innovation environment. She stated: “Planet Labs’ decision to expand in Berlin strengthens our position as a high-tech hub. It creates skilled jobs, stimulates the economy, and reinforces the resilience of Europe’s satellite supply chain.”

The Berlin facility is expected to begin operations in the coming months, focusing on accelerating Pelican satellite production while supporting Planet Labs’ global imaging capabilities. The expansion strengthens the company’s presence in Europe and complements its ongoing work in the United States, ensuring greater capacity to meet increasing demand for reliable Earth observation solutions.