News Releases

SKY Perfect JSAT and Planet Labs PBC
Partner to Build a $230M Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Constellation

Feb 5, 2025

 SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President & CEO: Eiichi Yonekura, hereinafter “SKY Perfect JSAT”) and Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL, hereinafter “Planet”) announce a collaboration to build a satellite constellation using Planet's next-generation electro optical satellite Pelican^*1 (hereinafter “Pelican”).

 SKY Perfect JSAT, which has primarily focused on its business using its own geostationary orbit satellites, will invest approximately $230 million to build and own low Earth orbit satellite constellation, thereby fully entering the Earth observation satellite business through JSAT Beyond Innovation LLC, a soon-to-be established entity through SKY Perfect JSAT’s 100% U.S. subsidiary, JSAT International Inc.

 SKY Perfect JSAT expects this new constellation to strengthen its position in the growing defense and intelligence market. Additionally, this constellation will allow them to meet diverse market demands, including in disaster prevention and mitigation. Furthermore, SKY Perfect JSAT will leverage its advanced data analysis capabilities to develop new markets.

 As shared in its announcement^*2 last week, under the new commercial agreement, Planet will develop and launch the constellation of new Pelican high resolution satellites for SKY Perfect JSAT. Furthermore, Planet will leverage the increased capacity of the expanded fleet to serve its own government and commercial customers around the world.

 SKY Perfect JSAT and Planet have been collaborating for more than 10 years, primarily in the sale of Planet's observation satellite data within the Japanese market. Through this agreement, SKY Perfect JSAT and Planet will further strengthen their partnership by leveraging Planet’s industry-leading satellite development, manufacturing, and operational capabilities enabling the partners to maximize synergies between the two companies. This new partnership will promote joint business initiatives to further develop their space businesses.

*1 Overview of the next-generation electro optical satellite Pelican

Mass: 215kg
Resolution: Up to 30cm
Stowed dimensions during launch: 1.3m tall x 0.79m wide and 1.15meter long
Deployed configuration in orbit: 1.3m tall x 2.84m wide and 0.89meter long

*2 Planet Signs $230 Million Commercial Agreement for Pelican Satellites - Planet Labs PBC

[About SKY Perfect JSAT]
SKY Perfect JSAT, Asia's largest geostationary satellite operator, has delivered reliable communications and broadcasting solutions for over 35 years. Our Space Business provides satellite coverage from North America to the Indian Ocean, supporting both commercial and governmental connectivity needs. We are expanding the Space Intelligence Business by leveraging satellite data and developing the non-terrestrial network “Universal NTN,” enhancing connectivity, disaster preparedness, contributing to national security, and advancing toward a super-smart society. In the Media Business, we operate Japan’s “SKY PerfecTV!” Multi-channel Pay-TV platform and extend services through the Fiber-optic Alliance Business and tailored Media Solutions. We're also exploring Connected TV and Web3-related operations to drive growth in the evolving media landscape.

Learn more: SKY Perfect JSAT Group Website (https://www.skyperfectjsat.space/en), Space Business Website: (https://www.skyperfectjsat.space/jsat/en/).

[About Planet]
Planet is a leading provider of global, daily satellite imagery and geospatial solutions. Planet is driven by a mission to image the world every day, and make change visible, accessible and actionable. Founded in 2010 by three NASA scientists, Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest Earth observation fleet of imaging satellites. Planet provides mission-critical data, advanced insights, and software solutions to over 1,000 customers, comprising the world’s leading agriculture, forestry, intelligence, education and finance companies and government agencies, enabling users to simply and effectively derive unique value from satellite imagery. Planet is a public benefit corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange as PL. To learn more visit www.planet.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) or tune in to HBO's ‘Wild Wild Space’.

Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements” about Planet within the meaning of the securities laws, including statements about Planet’s strategic partnerships, the expansion of the high resolution capacity of Planet’s fleet and the delivery of such capacity to Planet customers, Planet’s future growth in new and existing markets, and Planet’s ability to scale to meet customer and partner demand. Such statements, which are not of historical fact, involve estimates, assumptions, judgments and uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors are detailed in Planet’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Planet does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events, except as required by applicable law.