SpaceX Launches Planet Labs’ New Pelican Satellites Into Orbit: Retail Says ‘Planetary Intelligence Loading’

• The satellites were launched into orbit on a SpaceX CAS500-2 mission from California. 
• The set also carried the first satellite under Planet’s deal with the Swedish Armed Forces.
• Each satellite uses Nvidia Jetson computers to run AI in space, helping turn images into useful information faster.  

Planet Labs (PL) stock gained attention premarket on Monday, after adding three advanced Pelican satellites to its Earth-imaging network, including one linked to a new defense partnership with Sweden. 

The move comes as the company grows its Earth-imaging satellite network and builds closer ties with governments seeking faster access to space-based intelligence. 

SpaceX Launches PL’s Satellites 

The satellites reached orbit aboard SpaceX’s CAS500-2 rideshare mission launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

One of the newly launched satellites marks the first space asset under Planet’s agreement with the Swedish Armed Forces, facilitating Sweden’s entry into operational space-based intelligence. 

In a post on X platform, Planet Labs’ Co-Founder and CEO, Will Marshal said,” First launch of 2026 complete! We’ve successfully launched & made contact with all three Pelicans in orbit!.”

Planet Labs stock edged 0.1% lower in Monday’s premarket. 

PL’s AI-powered imaging expansion

The newly deployed Pelicans belong to Planet’s first-generation high-resolution line, capable of capturing 50-centimeter-class imagery across multiple spectral bands. 

Each satellite integrates Nvidia Jetson-based onboard computing, enabling artificial intelligence processing directly in orbit to reduce the time between image capture and actionable insight.

The satellites, first in 2026, join earlier units launched in 2025 and will operate as part of a larger fleet supporting Planet’s Global Monitoring Service. In early April, the company took a major step toward real-time space intelligence after successfully running artificial intelligence directly onboard one of its satellites.

This change moves Earth imaging from slow, ground-based processing to quick analysis done in space, giving results in minutes instead of hours or days. Planet plans to expand this system across its Pelican satellites and future Owl network to create a near real-time global monitoring system.

The company is seeing strong demand and a growing pipeline, supporting continued growth ahead. Planet Labs ended 2025 with a strong backlog of $900 million, a 79% increase year-on-year. 

What Are PL Retail Traders Saying? 

On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the stock remained in ‘bearish’ territory. 

A user exclaimed, “Planetary intelligence loading!”

Another user said, “The fact they did this within 4 months of contract is clearly disruptive technology.  Unheard of. It is normally years w[ith] def[ence] contractors. 

PL stock has gained over 87% year-to-date. 

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