Planet and Isar Aerospace Partner to Launch First German-Built Satellite-Rocket Mission
Credit: Isar Aerospace
Planet Labs Germany, a leading provider of daily data and insights about change on Earth, and European space company Isar Aerospace today announced a strategic launch agreement. Under the agreement, Isar Aerospace will launch one of Planet’s next-generation high-resolution Pelican satellites, with additional satellites planned for future launches.
The Pelican is scheduled to fly on Isar Aerospace's Spectrum launch vehicle, currently scheduled as early as late 2026 from Isar Aerospace’s dedicated launch complex at Andøya Space. The Pelican will be assembled in Planet’s upcoming Berlin manufacturing facility. With both satellite and rocket being built in Germany, this launch will be a national first for the country, demonstrating rapid advancements in the nation’s sovereign space capabilities.
“Germany has set out an ambitious space agenda. Planet and Isar Aerospace are responding to the moment and delivering a first for the country: both satellite and rocket built in Germany,” said Martin Polak, Managing Director of Planet Labs Germany. “Most excitingly our joint teams have set an ambitious goal to do this first launch within less than 12 months of agreement – showcasing our agile aerospace approach and supporting rapidly evolving national priorities across security, resilience and civil applications.”
“This collaboration underscores the strength and growing strategic importance of the German and European space ecosystem,” said Stella Guillen, Chief Commercial Officer of Isar Aerospace. “With our unique approach to developing scalable, integrated launch capability, we aim to serve a rapidly growing global demand for access to space for commercial and government missions. Europe now has an unparalleled opportunity to leverage this ecosystem to build resilient space capabilities and unlock its potential for security and economic growth.”
The partnership marks a milestone in Planet’s end-to-end German space ecosystem. The company, which maintains its European headquarters and Mission Control in Berlin, is expanding its local footprint in 2026 with a new manufacturing facility to double the production capacity of its next-generation, high-resolution Pelican fleet. Planet is expected to add up to 70 new employees to its existing team of about 150 in Berlin, further strengthening Germany’s role as a leading nation in Europe’s commercial space ecosystem and AI-enabled geospatial solutions.
Isar Aerospace is currently ramping up manufacturing capability for its in-house developed launch vehicle Spectrum to respond to the surging worldwide demand for space access. In its 40,000 square meter factory near Munich, the company will build up to 40 launch vehicles per year. With a strong focus on automation and vertical integration, the company controls nearly every stage of the value chain—from design and manufacturing to testing and launching. This comprehensive approach not only supports sovereign space access but also enables rapid iteration and greater flexibility for customers.