Planet Signs Three-Year Deal with German Space Agency for Satellite Imagery and Data Access

Planet Signs Three-Year Deal with German Space Agency for Satellite Imagery and Data Access
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Sep 17, 2024

Planet Labs has signed a three-year agreement with the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Under this contract, Planet (NYSE: PL) will supply Earth observation data products and services to both the German Space Agency and researchers across Germany, enabling further scientific advancements in various fields.

The German Space Agency will utilize Planet's satellite data to support national and international research projects focused on major global challenges. In addition to government projects, this contract provides data access to German researchers, innovative start-ups, and research initiatives. With Europe's growing investments in the remote sensing industry, Planet remains committed to expanding partnerships across the continent, supporting both public and private sector innovations.

"Europe has been leading the way in investment and innovation in the Earth observation industry, and we are thrilled to continue working directly with the German Space Agency to further accelerate this momentum," said Dr. Marcus Apel, Planet's Director Public Sector Business in D-A-CH. "With Planet's EU headquarters located in Berlin, we have built a close relationship with Germany's government and businesses and look forward to supporting the myriad of research projects at DLR and researchers in Germany."

The contract grants researchers access to PlanetScope products, providing near-daily imagery of Earth's landmass at approximately 3-meter resolution, alongside historical data dating back to 2016. Additionally, Planet will deliver its full archive of RapidEye imagery over Germany, captured at 5-meter resolution since 2009.

"Our research projects and missions are advancing how we understand climate, security, and our global economy," said Godela Rossner, Head of Earth Observation Department at the German Space Agency at DLR. "With access to PlanetScope and RapidEye satellite data, we give scientists the opportunity to develop new innovative methods and applications to derive better insights of our planet Earth with enhanced data analysis capacities and timely data inputs."

The comprehensive archive of satellite imagery will support long-term scientific research, environmental assessments, and policy decisions. Furthermore, the near-daily monitoring capabilities will provide vital insights into dynamic ecosystems, contributing to security and climate research. The German Space Agency also plans to use these datasets in educational settings, helping students explore scientific research techniques.

The German Space Agency has used Planet's satellite data since 2009, initially integrating the data through the RapidEye Science Archive. With this new contract, Planet will also provide support for the agency's Earth observation platform (EO-Lab), integrating Planet's data and offering advanced services to enhance research.