Planet Labs, Inc. (also known as Planet) is a private American Earth imaging company with headquarters in San Francisco, California. The company was founded by Will Marshall, Chris Boshuizen, and Robbie Schingler in 2010. Planet operates the largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites, with more than 190 satellites currently in orbit. The satellites are used to capture high-resolution images of the planet, providing real-time data and insights that are used to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.
One of the unique features of Planet is their fleet of satellites, known as “Doves”. These small satellites are designed to capture high-resolution images of the Earth surface. The images are captured in various wavelengths, including red, green, blue, and near infrared. By collecting images at different wavelengths, Planet is able to process data that can help identify changes in land use, monitor crop growth, and even detect natural disasters.
Planet’s mission is to create an “intelligent planet” by using Earth intelligence data to solve global problems. The company’s focus is on providing real-time data to solve issues such as deforestation, climate change, and natural disasters. By utilizing their satellite imagery, Planet aims to help address global challenges such as food security, water scarcity, and human safety.
One of the areas where Planet has made significant impact is in agriculture. By providing real-time data on crop growth, the company is helping farmers better manage their fields and improve crop yields. Planet’s real-time data also helps governments and other organizations respond to natural disasters, such as flooding and wildfires. By providing up-to-date information, organizations can make more informed decisions about how to allocate resources and provide aid to those affected by the disaster.
In addition to their commercial work, Planet has also partnered with environmental organizations to help monitor and protect the planet’s forests. Through their partnership with the World Resource Institute, Planet is using their satellite imagery to track deforestation rates and identify illegal logging activity. By alerting authorities to illegal logging, Planet is helping to protect the Earth’s forests and combat climate change.
Overall, Planet Labs is a company with a mission to create a more intelligent planet. By utilizing real-time satellite data, Planet is helping to address some of the world’s biggest challenges, from climate change to natural disasters. With their innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, Planet is poised to make significant impact in the years to come.
