Planet Labs' public TLE feed reveals 97 active satellites still in orbit
Planet Labs, the San Francisco-based Earth-imaging company, maintains a public ephemerides feed that lists tracking data for its satellite fleet. A query of this data against catalog records shows 97 Planet Labs satellites currently active, spanning several constellations including the newly launched Pelican-11, which was deployed into low Earth orbit via SpaceX's Transporter 17 mission on July 7th.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Planet Labs' willingness to publish detailed orbital data openly is unusual for a commercial satellite operator and gives outside analysts a rare, verifiable window into the real scale and health of a daily Earth-imaging constellation. It also underscores the company's growing geopolitical visibility, as its leadership has recently appeared alongside senior NATO and European officials, hinting at expanding strategic and defense-related interest in its imagery capabilities.
- Planet Labs currently operates 97 satellites confirmed still in orbit via public tracking data.
- The new Pelican-11 satellite joined the Tanager constellation after deployment on SpaceX's Transporter 17 mission.
- Public access to Planet Labs' TLE data allows independent verification of its fleet size and constellation status.
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Published there as: “Planet Labs' Open Satellite Feed”
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