US Space Tech Company to Launch Satellite Production in Berlin
Planet Labs plans to set up a local manufacturing hub as it seeks to reassure European clients on data control.
Berlin, September 24th, 2026 – US satellite technology firm Planet Labs is set to begin manufacturing satellites in Germany, marking a new production site for the company alongside its existing facility in San Francisco. Managing director Martin Polak confirmed that all satellite assembly and testing will occur in Berlin, with an initial satellite expected to be completed by year-end.
The new site could potentially manufacture up to 60 satellites per year, though the company has not disclosed the scale of its investment. Planet Labs currently employs around 150 individuals at its Berlin office, a number that will expand by another 70.
The company's Berlin satellites, known as Pelican, will offer high-resolution imagery for Earth observation, proving valuable in tracking weather patterns, climate change, and military installations. During the conflict in Ukraine, Planet Labs' satellite data played a crucial role in understanding the situation. The company assured that clients across Europe can rely on their technology, stating that they have served European government clients for over a decade without issues.
Polak emphasized that the goal is to decrease dependencies and boost European clients' operational resilience and control by producing satellites in Berlin, operating missions from Germany, utilizing European ground stations, and storing data on European cloud infrastructure.
Written by urgent.news from The Berlin Spectator's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
