Planet Labs PBC, commonly known as Planet, is an American private Earth imaging and satellite data company headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2010 by former NASA scientists, the company is known for its innovative approach to Earth observation and satellite technology. Planet operates a fleet of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) designed to capture high-resolution images of the entire Earth's surface on a daily basis, making it a significant player in the Earth imaging and geospatial data industry.
One of Planet's distinguishing features is its large constellation of Earth-observing satellites, collectively known as the "Doves." These small, low-cost, and agile satellites orbit the Earth in a coordinated fashion, capturing imagery and data that serve various purposes, from environmental monitoring and disaster response to agriculture, forestry, and urban planning.
Planet's mission is to provide timely, accessible, and actionable Earth intelligence to address a wide range of global challenges. The company's unique ability to capture up-to-date imagery of the entire planet allows it to deliver valuable insights and data to governments, businesses, researchers, and humanitarian organizations.
Planet has made its data available through a user-friendly platform, which allows customers to access, analyze, and utilize the collected imagery and data. The company's data is used in diverse applications, including tracking deforestation, monitoring crop health, assessing infrastructure changes, and providing timely information for disaster management and recovery efforts.