Planet
Planet provides data to federal civilian agencies under NASA contract
Researchers delving into climate change, biodiversity loss and other topics through work funded by U.S. federal civilian agencies and the National Science Foundation will have access to Planet Earth-observation data through September 2022, under a NASA contract announced Sept. 14.
Geospatial intelligence giving supply chain clarity in uncertain times
From hiking the price of cars to impacting the readiness of militaries, the havoc that COVID-19 wreaks across supply chains is far-ranging and sometimes surprising.
Planet and SpaceX announce multiyear launch agreement
Planet announced a multiyear agreement Aug. 5 that designates SpaceX as the Earth-observation company’s “go-to-launch provider through the end of 2025.”
Planet valued at $2.8 billion in SPAC deal
Planet announced July 7 it will go public in a $2.8 billion deal with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC), the second SPAC deal in the Earth observation sector in as many days.
Software-as-a-Service model takes the space sector by storm
As the space sector expands, companies are adopting new business models, including Space Data as a Service, Satellite as a Service, and Ground Station as a Service, which promise the benefits of space without many of the demands.
Private sector seeks bigger role in NASA Earth science programs
Companies and organizations used a House hearing May 18 to advocate for a larger role in NASA’s Earth science programs, arguing their capabilities can complement NASA spacecraft.
Consortium unveils greenhouse gas monitoring constellation Carbon Mapper
A consortium led by the State of California, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Planet announced plans April 15 for a constellation of hyperspectral satellites to pinpoint, quantify and track point sources of methane and carbon dioxide.
SpaceX launches record-setting cluster of smallsats
A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched 143 small satellites for a wide range of customers Jan. 24 on the company's first dedicated rideshare mission, a service that poses a competitive threat to emerging small launch vehicles.
NGA adds Planet, BlackSky to imagery delivery system used by government agencies
Planet and BlackSky imagery will be added to NGA's unclassified system that delivers geospatial data to government agencies.
Rocket Lab launches 10 imaging smallsats
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket successfully placed 10 satellites into orbit for two customers who lost payloads on a launch failure earlier this year.
Planet unveils rapid revisit and change detection products
Planet announced a series of products including frequently updated SkySat imagery and automated change detection during Explore 2020, the San Francisco company’s second user conference.
Arianespace launches Vega on return-to-flight mission with 53 smallsats
European launch provider Arianespace conducted a successful return-to-flight mission of Vega, its light-lift rocket, on Sept. 2, completing the vehicle’s first launch in 14 months.
SpaceNet launches new challenge with Planet dataset
Competitors in SpaceNet 7 the Multi-Temporal Urban Development Challenge will have two months starting August 31st to devise change-detection algorithms to track building construction over time.
Falcon 9 reaches new reusability record during Starlink, SkySat launch
SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket Aug. 18 on a mission that reused the same first-stage booster for a sixth time, setting a new record for Falcon 9 booster reuse.
Manufacturers worry about smallsats getting too hot, literally
As small satellites become more powerful, manufacturers say they need better ways to manage excess heat generated by their electronics systems.
