Planet Labs (PL) Shares Soar 7.84% on Berlin Expansion, €240M German Contract Boost

Planet Labs (PL) shares surged 7.84% on Thursday, marking a six-day winning streak with a cumulative gain of 24.48%. The stock reached its highest level since October 2025, with an intraday jump of 9.73%, driven by strategic initiatives and market dynamics.

The rally follows the company’s announcement to establish a new satellite manufacturing facility in Berlin, Germany, doubling its production capacity for next-generation Pelican satellites. This expansion aims to meet surging demand for high-resolution Earth observation data in Europe, where governments and defense agencies are prioritizing geospatial intelligence amid geopolitical tensions. The facility complements existing operations in San Francisco and aligns with a €240 million multi-year contract with the German government, reinforcing Planet Labs’ role in EU and NATO-aligned sectors.

Planet Labs highlighted a 245% year-over-year increase in order backlog, attributed to growing demand for satellite data across environmental monitoring, agriculture, and defense. The launch of the Tanager-1 satellite and its Methane Quicklook tool expanded the company’s offerings, enabling rapid detection of methane leaks and enhancing applications in climate action and resource analysis. These innovations have broadened revenue streams and solidified client adoption across public and private sectors.

Recent contracts with NATO and the German government underscore Planet Labs’ position as a key provider of geospatial intelligence in high-stakes environments. The company’s satellites, capable of frequent, high-resolution imagery, are critical for conflict monitoring and infrastructure assessment. Expansion into Germany—a NATO member and major EU economy—positions Planet Labs to leverage cross-border defense collaborations and secure long-term partnerships.

Operational efficiency and technological advancements further support the stock’s momentum. The Pelican series, with higher resolution and faster data processing, has set a benchmark in the industry. The Berlin facility aims to replicate San Francisco’s production success, streamlining satellite deployment and reducing costs. Continued R&D, such as the Methane Quicklook tool, reflects the company’s focus on addressing emerging market needs and maintaining a competitive edge.