Planet Labs Launches Pelican-11 Satellite
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 02 2026
0mins
Planet Labs announced that Pelican-11, the tech demonstration satellite of the second generation of its high-resolution Pelican fleet, has shipped to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California ahead of its launch aboard the upcoming Transporter-17 rideshare mission with SpaceX. Planet plans to launch additional Pelican spacecraft in 2026 and 2027 to continue to meet the rising, global customer demand for sovereign satellite ownership and Planet's high-resolution data products.
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Analyst Views on PL
Wall Street analysts forecast PL stock price to fall
11 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 31.380
Low
12.30
Averages
18.93
High
22.00
Current: 31.380
Low
12.30
Averages
18.93
High
22.00
About PL
Planet Labs PBC is a provider of global, daily satellite imagery and geospatial solutions. It designs, builds, and operates the earth observation fleet of imaging satellites. It provides mission-critical data, advanced insights, and software solutions comprising agriculture, forestry, intelligence, education and finance companies and government agencies, enabling users to derive value from satellite imagery. Its satellite data and analytics reveal actionable insights regarding phenomena, such as deforestation, agriculture, climate change, biodiversity, and supply chains worldwide. Its daily stream of proprietary data and machine learning analytics, delivered over its cloud-native platform, helps companies, governments and civil society use satellite imagery to discover insights as change happens. Its digital technology platform includes Agile Aerospace, Proprietary Big Data, and Platform and Analytics. Its products include Planet Monitoring, Planet Tasking, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Planet Labs Successfully Launches Pelican-11 Satellite
- Satellite Launch Success: Planet Labs successfully launched the Pelican-11 satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base, marking a significant advancement in satellite technology validation for its second-generation high-resolution Pelican™ fleet.
- Resolution Improvement: The Gen 2 Pelican satellites are designed to provide imagery with up to 30 cm resolution, a notable enhancement from the 50 cm resolution of the first generation, which is expected to strengthen the company's competitive position in the global market.
- Rapid Hardware Testing: Designed to facilitate rapid hardware testing and calibration, Pelican-11 aligns with Planet's Agile Aerospace approach, thereby aiding the seamless scaling of upcoming production fleets to meet growing customer demands.
- Future Expansion Plans: Planet intends to launch additional Pelican satellites over the next year to expand its high-resolution, AI-powered monitoring capabilities, further solidifying its market position across various sectors including agriculture and finance.
See More
Planet Labs Successfully Launches Pelican-11 Satellite
- Successful Satellite Launch: Planet Labs PBC announced the successful launch of its second-generation high-resolution Pelican satellite, Pelican-11, aboard SpaceX's Transporter-17 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking a significant advancement in satellite technology.
- Initial Contact Established: The company has successfully made initial contact with the Pelican-11 satellite and commenced the commissioning process, which will lay the groundwork for enhanced high-resolution imaging capabilities and strengthen its competitive position in the market.
- Market Reaction: Despite the successful launch, Planet Labs' stock fell 1.1% in premarket trading, reflecting market concerns regarding the company's future profitability, particularly against the backdrop of its revenue acceleration.
- Industry Dynamics: The launch has sparked renewed interest in space stocks, especially following the Rocket Lab-Iridium deal, indicating ongoing market enthusiasm and potential investment opportunities in the space sector.
See More
Wolfgang Schmidt Joins Planet's Advisory Board Amid Expansion
- New Advisory Board Member: Wolfgang Schmidt, former German Federal Minister for Special Affairs, joins Planet's European Advisory Board, bringing extensive experience in German and international politics to support the company's expansion in Europe.
- Berlin Manufacturing Hub: Planet plans to establish a new satellite manufacturing facility in Berlin, serving as its European center, which not only reflects a commitment to Germany's emerging New Space ecosystem but also enhances Europe's industrial capabilities in Earth observation.
- Strategic Collaboration Opportunities: Schmidt's addition will facilitate Planet's partnerships with Germany and Ukraine, particularly in security and sustainability, further solidifying the company's position in the European market.
- Role of the Advisory Board: The European Advisory Board is crucial in guiding Planet's strategic expansion, helping the company meet the growing needs of its European customer base and navigate the evolving policy landscape.
See More
Planet Labs Stock Soars Amid Strong Growth and Contracts
- Stock Surge: Planet Labs' stock has surged 162% year-to-date, reaching over $51 per share, reflecting investor enthusiasm for space stocks, although it recently pulled back 37% from its peak.
- Government Contracts: The company has secured contracts with the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Swedish Armed Forces, indicating a significant increase in government spending on space and defense, which further drives business growth.
- Capital Expenditure Outlook: In its latest earnings report, Planet Labs guided its full-year margin down from 56% in Q1 to between 52% and 54%, with planned capital expenditures of $80 million to $95 million in 2023, demonstrating its commitment to expansion.
- Equity Financing Plan: The company announced a $1.5 billion at-the-market equity offering to expand manufacturing capacity and enhance its Earth-imaging infrastructure, although this poses a significant risk given its market capitalization of $11.7 billion.
See More
Planet Labs Stock Volatility and Financing Risks
- Significant Stock Fluctuation: Planet Labs' stock surged to over $51 per share at the beginning of the year, reflecting a 162% year-to-date increase, but has recently pulled back 37% from its all-time high, indicating market concerns about future growth.
- Impact of Financing Plans: The company announced an at-the-market equity offering of up to $1.5 billion, aimed at expanding manufacturing capacity, yet this raised investor worries about high capital expenditures, projected to be between $80 million and $95 million this year.
- Earnings Forecast Downgrade: In its latest earnings report, Planet Labs lowered its full-year gross margin guidance from 56% to a range of 52%-54%, highlighting the profit compression risks faced during rapid expansion, which could affect future investment appeal.
- Market Outlook Analysis: While the company anticipates a 34% compound annual revenue growth over the next three years, its market capitalization stands at $11.7 billion, with a price-to-sales ratio of 31.2, and analysts do not expect profitability until at least 2028, necessitating cautious risk-reward assessment by investors.
See More
Germany Achieves Milestone in Sovereign Space Capabilities
- Strategic Partnership: Planet Labs Germany and Isar Aerospace have signed a strategic launch agreement to launch a German-built high-resolution Pelican satellite within 12 months of the agreement, marking a significant advancement in Germany's sovereign space capabilities.
- Manufacturing Capacity Boost: Planet's new manufacturing facility in Berlin will double the production capacity of its Pelican satellites, with an expected addition of 70 employees, further solidifying Germany's leadership in Europe's commercial space ecosystem.
- Launch Capability Expansion: Isar Aerospace is ramping up its Spectrum launch vehicle production at its 40,000 square meter factory near Munich, aiming to produce up to 40 launch vehicles annually to meet the surging global demand for space access.
- National Strategic Importance: This collaboration not only showcases the strength and growing significance of the German space ecosystem but also provides Europe with an unprecedented opportunity to leverage its potential for security and economic growth, emphasizing the ability to rapidly respond to national priorities.
See More
Planet Labs Successfully Launches Pelican-11 Satellite
- Satellite Launch Success: Planet Labs successfully launched the Pelican-11 satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base, marking a significant advancement in satellite technology validation for its second-generation high-resolution Pelican™ fleet.
- Resolution Improvement: The Gen 2 Pelican satellites are designed to provide imagery with up to 30 cm resolution, a notable enhancement from the 50 cm resolution of the first generation, which is expected to strengthen the company's competitive position in the global market.
- Rapid Hardware Testing: Designed to facilitate rapid hardware testing and calibration, Pelican-11 aligns with Planet's Agile Aerospace approach, thereby aiding the seamless scaling of upcoming production fleets to meet growing customer demands.
- Future Expansion Plans: Planet intends to launch additional Pelican satellites over the next year to expand its high-resolution, AI-powered monitoring capabilities, further solidifying its market position across various sectors including agriculture and finance.
See More
Planet Labs Successfully Launches Pelican-11 Satellite
- Successful Satellite Launch: Planet Labs PBC announced the successful launch of its second-generation high-resolution Pelican satellite, Pelican-11, aboard SpaceX's Transporter-17 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking a significant advancement in satellite technology.
- Initial Contact Established: The company has successfully made initial contact with the Pelican-11 satellite and commenced the commissioning process, which will lay the groundwork for enhanced high-resolution imaging capabilities and strengthen its competitive position in the market.
- Market Reaction: Despite the successful launch, Planet Labs' stock fell 1.1% in premarket trading, reflecting market concerns regarding the company's future profitability, particularly against the backdrop of its revenue acceleration.
- Industry Dynamics: The launch has sparked renewed interest in space stocks, especially following the Rocket Lab-Iridium deal, indicating ongoing market enthusiasm and potential investment opportunities in the space sector.
See More
Wolfgang Schmidt Joins Planet's Advisory Board Amid Expansion
- New Advisory Board Member: Wolfgang Schmidt, former German Federal Minister for Special Affairs, joins Planet's European Advisory Board, bringing extensive experience in German and international politics to support the company's expansion in Europe.
- Berlin Manufacturing Hub: Planet plans to establish a new satellite manufacturing facility in Berlin, serving as its European center, which not only reflects a commitment to Germany's emerging New Space ecosystem but also enhances Europe's industrial capabilities in Earth observation.
- Strategic Collaboration Opportunities: Schmidt's addition will facilitate Planet's partnerships with Germany and Ukraine, particularly in security and sustainability, further solidifying the company's position in the European market.
- Role of the Advisory Board: The European Advisory Board is crucial in guiding Planet's strategic expansion, helping the company meet the growing needs of its European customer base and navigate the evolving policy landscape.
See More
Planet Labs Stock Soars Amid Strong Growth and Contracts
- Stock Surge: Planet Labs' stock has surged 162% year-to-date, reaching over $51 per share, reflecting investor enthusiasm for space stocks, although it recently pulled back 37% from its peak.
- Government Contracts: The company has secured contracts with the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Swedish Armed Forces, indicating a significant increase in government spending on space and defense, which further drives business growth.
- Capital Expenditure Outlook: In its latest earnings report, Planet Labs guided its full-year margin down from 56% in Q1 to between 52% and 54%, with planned capital expenditures of $80 million to $95 million in 2023, demonstrating its commitment to expansion.
- Equity Financing Plan: The company announced a $1.5 billion at-the-market equity offering to expand manufacturing capacity and enhance its Earth-imaging infrastructure, although this poses a significant risk given its market capitalization of $11.7 billion.
See More
Planet Labs Stock Volatility and Financing Risks
- Significant Stock Fluctuation: Planet Labs' stock surged to over $51 per share at the beginning of the year, reflecting a 162% year-to-date increase, but has recently pulled back 37% from its all-time high, indicating market concerns about future growth.
- Impact of Financing Plans: The company announced an at-the-market equity offering of up to $1.5 billion, aimed at expanding manufacturing capacity, yet this raised investor worries about high capital expenditures, projected to be between $80 million and $95 million this year.
- Earnings Forecast Downgrade: In its latest earnings report, Planet Labs lowered its full-year gross margin guidance from 56% to a range of 52%-54%, highlighting the profit compression risks faced during rapid expansion, which could affect future investment appeal.
- Market Outlook Analysis: While the company anticipates a 34% compound annual revenue growth over the next three years, its market capitalization stands at $11.7 billion, with a price-to-sales ratio of 31.2, and analysts do not expect profitability until at least 2028, necessitating cautious risk-reward assessment by investors.
See More
Germany Achieves Milestone in Sovereign Space Capabilities
- Strategic Partnership: Planet Labs Germany and Isar Aerospace have signed a strategic launch agreement to launch a German-built high-resolution Pelican satellite within 12 months of the agreement, marking a significant advancement in Germany's sovereign space capabilities.
- Manufacturing Capacity Boost: Planet's new manufacturing facility in Berlin will double the production capacity of its Pelican satellites, with an expected addition of 70 employees, further solidifying Germany's leadership in Europe's commercial space ecosystem.
- Launch Capability Expansion: Isar Aerospace is ramping up its Spectrum launch vehicle production at its 40,000 square meter factory near Munich, aiming to produce up to 40 launch vehicles annually to meet the surging global demand for space access.
- National Strategic Importance: This collaboration not only showcases the strength and growing significance of the German space ecosystem but also provides Europe with an unprecedented opportunity to leverage its potential for security and economic growth, emphasizing the ability to rapidly respond to national priorities.
See More
