Planet Labs PBC Unveils First Light Images from Pelican-2, Showcasing Advanced Satellite Capabilities
Planet Labs PBC, a global leader in providing daily Earth observation data and geospatial insights, has released the first light images captured by its Pelican-2 satellite. The newly unveiled images feature the Port of Laem Chabang in Eastern Thailand, the country’s largest deep-sea port, highlighting the satellite’s ability to capture high-resolution imagery with exceptional clarity. Taken from an altitude of approximately 506 km on March 12, 2025, these images mark a significant milestone in the evolution of satellite technology and Earth observation.
A Landmark Achievement for Planet Labs
Pelican-2 was successfully launched into orbit as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-12 Rideshare mission on January 14, 2025. Since entering space, the satellite has surpassed performance expectations, demonstrating impressive imaging capabilities and responsiveness.
“We’re thrilled with the outstanding first light imagery from Pelican-2. The spacecraft is exceeding our expectations and is aligning perfectly with the evolving market needs of our customers,” said Will Marshall, Co-Founder and CEO of Planet Labs. “With the Pelican fleet, we are introducing greater capacity, superior resolution, and reduced latency. Additionally, the integration of NVIDIA’s most powerful chip enables AI-driven processing at the edge, marking a transformative step forward in satellite imaging. This fusion of AI-powered analytics with highly precise spatial data sets the stage for the future of commercial satellite imagery.”
Pelican-2: A Next-Generation Imaging Solution
Pelican-2 is part of Planet Labs’ new generation of high-resolution satellites, designed to enhance and expand the existing capabilities of the company’s SkySat constellation. The satellite joins Pelican-1, a small-satellite platform initially launched in 2024 as a technology demonstrator, to further strengthen Planet’s ability to deliver ultra-high-resolution imagery.
Key features of Pelican-2 include:
- Multispectral Imaging: The satellite employs six multispectral bands, which are optimized for cross-sensor analysis alongside PlanetScope, ensuring comprehensive data insights.
- High-Resolution Imagery: Capable of capturing images with a 50 cm resolution, Pelican-2 is engineered to eventually deliver 40 cm class imagery, setting a new standard in satellite imaging.
- AI-Driven Edge Computing: Planet Labs has collaborated with NVIDIA to integrate the NVIDIA Jetson platform, enabling onboard computing and real-time AI processing, significantly reducing the time between image capture and actionable insights.
These advancements position Pelican-2 as a game-changer for industries reliant on satellite imagery, from environmental monitoring and agriculture to defense and disaster response.
Bridging the Gap Between Capture and Value
A key goal for Planet Labs with Pelican-2 is to reduce the latency between data capture and its utilization. Traditional satellite imaging involves significant delays in processing and analysis, but with AI-powered onboard computing, Pelican-2 is designed to address this challenge head-on. By performing real-time image enhancements, feature detection, and rapid data transmission, Pelican-2 can deliver near-instantaneous insights to clients across various sectors.
Planet Labs has emphasized that additional high-resolution imagery will become available as the satellite lowers to its operational altitude and completes ongoing commissioning and calibration. These calibrations are crucial for ensuring optimal performance and fine-tuning data accuracy. As this phase progresses, customers can expect even sharper imagery with improved detail and clarity.
Expanding the Pelican Fleet: What’s Next?
The successful launch and operation of Pelican-2 is just the beginning for Planet’s ambitious next-generation satellite program. The company has announced plans to deploy additional Pelican satellites throughout 2025, further expanding its capacity for high-resolution, real-time Earth observation. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for rapid and reliable geospatial intelligence across industries.
Brian Lewis, Mission Director for the Pelican program, expressed his enthusiasm for the satellite’s early performance: “I’m incredibly proud of the Pelican team for their dedication and hard work in making this achievement possible. The initial data returned from Pelican-2 demonstrates the technical maturity of our new system and underscores our commitment to innovation. With reduced downlink latency and enhanced image quality, we are poised to provide an unparalleled tasking experience for our customers. This is just the beginning—we are excited to see how Pelican’s capabilities will be leveraged across multiple sectors, from defense and intelligence to disaster response and urban planning.”
The Future of Commercial Satellite Imaging
As global industries increasingly rely on high-resolution satellite imagery for decision-making, Planet Labs continues to push the boundaries of innovation. With Pelican-2, the company has set a new benchmark for commercial satellite capabilities, offering clients:
- Enhanced monitoring and surveillance: Faster and clearer imaging for real-time tracking of environmental changes, infrastructure development, and security operations.
- Disaster response and mitigation: Rapid assessment of natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, and earthquakes, facilitating timely intervention and aid deployment.
- Urban and environmental planning: Improved mapping and land-use analysis for sustainable city planning and resource management.
The fusion of AI-powered edge computing with high-resolution spatial data unlocks new possibilities for near-instant analytics, providing actionable intelligence for businesses, governments, and research organizations worldwide.
Pelican-2 represents a significant leap forward in satellite imaging technology, setting the stage for the future of real-time geospatial intelligence. With its high-resolution imaging, advanced AI capabilities, and rapid data processing, the satellite is poised to transform industries that rely on timely and accurate Earth observation data. As Planet Labs continues to expand its Pelican fleet, the company remains committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive innovation and enhance global situational awareness.
