Planet Labs released the first‑light image from its Pelican‑6 satellite, captured on December 4 2025, showing Lhasa Gonggar International Airport in Tibet. The image was taken from an altitude of approximately 519 km, confirming that the satellite’s imaging and calibration systems are operational.
Pelican‑6 is part of Planet’s next‑generation constellation that delivers 30‑cm resolution across six multispectral bands and incorporates NVIDIA Jetson AI chips for on‑orbit edge computing. The successful first‑light demonstrates the platform’s ability to provide near‑real‑time, high‑resolution imagery—a key differentiator for customers in defense, agriculture, and other sectors.
The milestone expands Planet’s high‑resolution product portfolio and supports its strategy to monetize growing demand for near‑real‑time Earth observation data. By validating the satellite’s performance early, Planet can accelerate the rollout of daily imaging operations, increasing data availability and reducing latency for clients.
CEO Will Marshall highlighted the rapid deployment, noting that the team achieved first‑light the day after launch and expressed confidence in the fleet’s ability to scale. The event signals Planet’s continued investment in advanced imaging and AI capabilities, positioning the company to capture a larger share of the high‑resolution market.
The first‑light also underscores Planet’s rideshare launch strategy, as Pelican‑6 was launched alongside 36 SuperDove satellites on a SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter‑15 mission. This approach reduces launch costs and accelerates constellation growth, reinforcing Planet’s competitive advantage.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.