NASA selects Planet for Earth observation data contract

Planet Labs PBC, through its Planet Federal subsidiary, has been awarded a contract under NASA's Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program (CSDA) On-Ramp1. This contract allows Planet to continue supplying NASA with high-resolution Earth observation data until November 15, 2028. The contract has a maximum potential value of $476 million, which will be shared among multiple contractors selected for this initiative. Planet has been involved in the CSDA program since its inception, providing valuable data that supports various Earth science research applications. The company utilizes its extensive fleet of Dove satellites to capture daily images of the Earth, amassing over 2,700 images for every point on the planet's landmass. This data is crucial for monitoring climate change, biodiversity loss, and disaster response efforts. The collaboration between Planet and NASA is rooted in a shared history, with Planet's founders having backgrounds at NASA. This partnership aims to leverage commercial data to enhance scientific research and improve understanding of our changing planet. The CSDA program is designed to complement existing Earth observation efforts by providing improved spatial resolutions and increased temporal frequencies. As a public benefit corporation, Planet is committed to making satellite imagery accessible and actionable for a wide range of users, including government agencies and private sector companies. The ongoing partnership with NASA is expected to further advance research capabilities and drive informed decision-making regarding environmental challenges.