Planet Labs Germany and Isar Aerospace have announced a launch agreement under which Isar Aerospace will carry one of Planet's next-generation Pelican high-resolution satellites aboard its Spectrum rocket, with additional satellites planned for future launches.

The Pelican satellite is scheduled to launch as early as late 2026 from Isar Aerospace's dedicated launch complex at Andøya Space in Norway. The satellite will be assembled at Planet's upcoming Berlin manufacturing facility, making it what the companies describe as a national first — both satellite and rocket built in Germany.

The two companies said they aim to complete the first launch within 12 months of signing the agreement. Martin Polak, Managing Director of Planet Labs Germany, said the joint teams have "set an ambitious goal to do this first launch within less than 12 months of agreement — showcasing our agile aerospace approach."

Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL) operates its European headquarters and Mission Control in Berlin. The company said it expects to add up to 70 employees to its existing Berlin team of approximately 150 as it expands its manufacturing facility, which is intended to double production capacity for the Pelican satellite fleet.

Isar Aerospace, headquartered near Munich and founded in 2018, manufactures its Spectrum launch vehicle in a 40,000-square-meter factory and plans to produce up to 40 launch vehicles per year. The company currently employs more than 400 people across five locations and is privately funded.

Stella Guillen, Chief Commercial Officer of Isar Aerospace, said the collaboration "underscores the strength and growing strategic importance of the German and European space ecosystem."