California satellite maker opens Berlin factory amid military boom

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Planet Labs has opened its first manufacturing facility outside the U.S. in Berlin to produce high-resolution Pelican satellites, aiming to meet growing European demand driven by increasing defense spending. This expansion aligns with Germany’s push to develop independent space-based intelligence capabilities amid geopolitical tensions and includes plans to support Ukraine and participate in Germany’s Spock 2 reconnaissance program.

California-based satellite manufacturer Planet Labs has opened its first production facility outside the United States, establishing a factory in Berlin to meet increasing demand amid a notable rise in European defense spending. The company, founded in 2010 by three former NASA scientists, will produce its Pelican high-resolution optical satellites at the new site, with an anticipated manufacturing capacity of up to 60 satellites per year.

Planet Labs’ Chief Executive, Will Marshall, described the investment as a multi-million-euro commitment influenced in part by the company's existing technical capabilities in Berlin. He emphasized Germany’s leading role in Europe’s push to reduce reliance on U.S. space-based intelligence resources, a shift driven by geopolitical developments including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and decreasing American support for European security.

The factory launch is timed to double Planet Labs’ global satellite production, responding to expanding demand across sectors such as military, intelligence, and environmental monitoring. While the company initially focused on tracking climate change, approximately 60 percent of its current business involves defense contracts, a portion that Marshall said has grown rapidly in recent years.

Germany’s ambitions in space-based defense systems are underlined by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius’ announcement last year of a €35 billion investment through 2030 to develop the country’s own satellite communication and observation capabilities. This funding boost represents a significant expansion for the European space sector.

Planet Labs operates an orbiting constellation of around 200 satellites and provides data services both through this network and by enabling clients to acquire and manage their own satellites. The company has secured contracts with several countries, including Japan, Sweden, and Germany.

The Berlin facility also supports ongoing efforts to supply satellite services to Ukraine, with funding from the German government. The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the strategic importance of space-based intelligence; in recent years, Ukrainian access to U.S. satellite data has faced interruptions. For example, the Trump administration temporarily blocked access to data from the American company Maxar Technologies, now known as Vantor. Additionally, Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet network, was temporarily restricted during Ukrainian operations near Crimea, due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia.

Marshall refrained from detailing exactly how Ukrainian forces use Planet Labs technology but noted that the company acts as an "early warning system" that enhances Ukraine’s informational edge.

Looking ahead, Planet Labs aims to participate in Germany’s Spock 2 procurement program, which seeks to establish an orbital reconnaissance network for the country’s armed forces, further embedding the company within European defense infrastructure.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.