Planet Labs PBC (NYSE), a leading provider of daily Earth data and insights, announced today the successful launch of its first hyperspectral satellite, Tanager-1, along with 36 SuperDoves (Flock 4BE). The launch occurred during SpaceX’s Transporter-11 Rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday, August 16, 2024. The Planet team has established contact with Tanager-1 and initiated its commissioning process. Tanager-1 is made possible through the Carbon Mapper Coalition, a philanthropic initiative aimed at developing and deploying satellites to detect and track methane and CO2 super-emitters with the precision needed for direct mitigation efforts. The satellite integrates Planet’s advanced aerospace technology with a cutting-edge imaging spectrometer from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Will Marshall, Co-Founder and CEO of Planet, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This is a fantastic example of California collaboration— a Planet satellite carrying a JPL payload, launched by SpaceX from Vandenberg Air Force Base for a California charity, Carbon Mapper, to benefit the State of California! We’re thrilled to be part of this endeavor. Our mission is to deliver innovative space-based solutions that enhance environmental conditions. Achieving this with our smallsat bus platform and sophisticated imaging spectrometer technology is a significant milestone for the Coalition. I’m immensely proud of our team and everyone involved in bringing this satellite to fruition.”
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has contributed to about 30% of atmospheric warming since 1750. To mitigate global warming, it’s crucial to significantly reduce methane emissions this decade alongside a sustained effort to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Future data from Tanager will be analyzed by Carbon Mapper scientists to detect and quantify methane and CO2 sources. Meanwhile, Planet will commercialize the hyperspectral data for various applications including defense, intelligence, biodiversity assessments, mineral mapping, and water quality evaluations.
Laurie Leshin, Director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “The successful launch of Tanager-1 showcases the power of partnership. Our collaboration with Planet and Carbon Mapper illustrates how we can unite to develop innovative solutions for pressing climate challenges. JPL’s advanced instruments, combined with Planet’s expertise, will significantly impact environmental monitoring and mitigation. We are excited about the continued success of this coalition and proud to be involved.”
Riley Duren, Co-Founder and CEO of Carbon Mapper, emphasized the importance of addressing high emission sources, saying, “Effective climate action must focus on reducing high emission point sources, particularly methane ‘super-emitters,’ which significantly contribute to overall emissions. While solutions exist to eliminate leaks and waste, most emission sources have been unobserved at the necessary granular scale. We are excited to leverage Tanager’s capabilities to provide high-resolution, global visibility of methane and CO2 emissions, turning data into actionable insights for decision-makers. Immediate action is crucial.”
In addition to Tanager-1, the Transporter-11 rocket deployed 36 SuperDoves, enhancing Planet’s daily global monitoring mission. PlanetScope data supports numerous customers in defense, intelligence, civil government, and commercial sectors by providing a continuous, comprehensive view of their areas of interest. Planet’s unique daily scans and extensive data archive are invaluable for predictive machine learning and advanced AI models, aiding users in deriving insights from the vast amounts of data collected daily.
