The company said the location will support closer engagement with policymakers and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Department for Business and Trade and NATO alliance representatives. Planet described the move as part of its commitment to the UK as a key partner in the growing space sector.
“As a British founder, it’s a delight to open our first UK office. And it’s great to see the UK’s leadership in both space and AI. There’s a massive economic opportunity here in downstream services, and as the UK is a services-led economy, it is in a prime position to lead,” said Will Marshall, co-founder and CEO of Planet.
“We look forward to continuing working closely with the UK Government and the ecosystem of partners across the country to expand adoption of Earth Observation capabilities across all sectors of the economy, and strengthening the UK’s global leadership in AI and data science.” The company said the new office would support wider use of Earth observation data across public and commercial markets.
Planet already has a long operational history in the UK. The Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall supports high-frequency data downlinks from the company’s constellation of more than 200 satellites.
The UK is also the only country outside the United States where Planet has executive leadership based locally. Its UK team has grown to more than 30 people across leadership, engineering, sales, customer support, government affairs and marketing.
Planet said the London office will support further hiring across the country. The company plans to recruit from the UK’s space, data science and AI talent pools.
Space Minister Liz Lloyd said, “Planet’s decision to open a London office is a powerful vote of confidence in the UK’s world-leading science and technology ecosystem. Having already won UK government contracts, I’m delighted to see them deepen their roots in our space ecosystem – proof that government procurement can drive growth and attract businesses to Britain.”
“By bringing highly-skilled jobs in AI, data science and space here, Planet is playing a vital role in cementing the UK’s status as a global science and technology superpower.” The comments link Planet’s expansion to the government’s wider industrial and technology agenda.
Planet works with several UK public-sector and industry organisations. Its partners include England’s Rural Payments Agency, the devolved governments of Wales and Scotland, UKspace, TechUK, Space4Climate, ADS Group, the British Association of Remote Sensing Companies and the King’s Sustainable Markets Initiative.
“The UK office allows us to better serve our critical customers by being physically present where the decisions that shape the country are made,” said Charlie Candy, Chief Revenue Officer and UK Managing Director at Planet. “Surrounded by leading commercial companies and stakeholders, a short walk away from Westminster policymakers, and well-connected to London Heathrow, this office will be an international engine for hosting Planet employees, customers and partners – enabling discussion on the innovative solutions needed to address complex global challenges.”
“It marks our status as a deeply embedded partner, dedicated to the UK’s success in space and AI.” Planet said the office will support customer engagement, policy dialogue and partnership activity.
The London site adds to Planet’s wider European network. That network includes its European headquarters and planned satellite manufacturing facility in Berlin, as well as offices in Haarlem, Ljubljana and Graz.
Europe accounts for more than 30% of Planet’s global workforce. Ground stations in the UK, Germany, Iceland and Norway are used to download nearly 50% of Planet’s data, supporting the company’s focus on local space capabilities, European resilience and data sovereignty.
