On September 28, 2025, Berlin found itself at the heart of two major announcements that could shape its future as both a technology powerhouse and a model for sustainable urban living. The German capital is set to host a new satellite manufacturing facility from Planet Labs, a global leader in space technology, and will also soon open its first mass public bike parking garage in Schöneweide. These developments, though different in nature, both highlight Berlin’s growing role as a hub for innovation, mobility, and strategic investment.
Planet Labs, a company already employing nearly 150 people at its European headquarters in Berlin, revealed plans to double the output of its next-generation Pelican satellite fleet by opening a new manufacturing facility in the city. The expansion is supported by an investment exceeding eight figures and will add up to 70 jobs, according to company officials. The site will not replace the existing production of Pelican satellites at Planet’s San Francisco headquarters; rather, it will expand the company’s overall capacity, allowing for more rapid deployment of advanced satellites.
Will Marshall, Planet’s chief executive, emphasized the urgency behind the move. “Europe needs its own eyes, and they need it now,” he said, highlighting a growing consensus among European leaders about the importance of independent space monitoring capabilities. Marshall added that Planet is among the fastest companies at building and launching satellites, and the Berlin facility would allow it to double Pelican production to meet surging demand across Europe.
The significance of Planet’s investment was not lost on German officials. Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space, described satellite services as “vital both for daily life and for government action in times of crisis.” She called Planet’s decision “an important signal of commitment to the space sector in Germany.” Meanwhile, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche celebrated the broader implications, stating, “The sky is not the limit! Planet Labs’ investment in a new high-tech manufacturing facility in Berlin is more than just a location choice — it is a vote of confidence in Germany as a high-tech and space-industry hub.”
Planet’s roots in Germany run deep. The company’s Berlin office has long managed its global satellite constellation and led business operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Martin Polak, Managing Director for Planet in Europe, underscored this legacy, stating, “From Berlin, we already contribute significantly to the global management of Planet’s constellation.” The new facility, he added, underlines Planet’s commitment to Germany as a long-term base of operations.
This expansion comes on the heels of major agreements between Planet and European institutions, most notably a €240 million deal with the German government and a key contract with NATO. These partnerships reflect a growing appetite for daily satellite monitoring, advanced warning systems, and responsive space solutions. By building in Berlin, Planet is aligning itself with Europe’s drive for greater technological sovereignty—a theme that has gained urgency as geopolitical tensions and technological competition have intensified worldwide. German officials have repeatedly stressed that developing independent space capabilities is strategically and economically vital for the region’s future security and prosperity.
While Berlin’s ambitions are reaching for the stars, the city is also making strides closer to the ground—quite literally. On the same day as Planet’s announcement, Berlin unveiled plans for its first mass public bike parking garage, to be constructed in the southeastern district of Schöneweide. This two-floor facility will accommodate up to 800 bikes, including larger spots for cargo bikes and bikes with child carriers, directly outside the bustling Schöneweide S-Bahn station, which serves both S-Bahn and regional trains.
According to a press release from the city, the garage will be built out of wood by Infravelo, a company specializing in cycling infrastructure. But this is no ordinary bike garage—it will also feature a repair workshop and a bike rental station, making it a one-stop shop for Berlin’s growing community of cyclists. The entire project is expected to cost around 5.3 million euros, with 2.6 million euros coming from the Federal Transport Ministry’s fund dedicated to developing bike parking garages at train stations.
This fund, established in 2023 as part of the Federal Fund for Climate and Transformation, aims to install 1.5 million additional bike parking spaces at 5,400 German stations by 2030. Other projects subsidized by the fund include a bike parking tower at Altstadtbahnhof in Osnabrück, Lower Saxony, as well as similar facilities in Eberswalde (Brandenburg) and Dresden (Saxony). The broader goal is clear: to encourage more sustainable modes of transport, reduce congestion, and make cycling a more convenient and attractive option for commuters across Germany.
The timing of these announcements is not accidental. Berlin, like much of Germany, is grappling with the challenges of climate change, urbanization, and the need for new economic engines. Investments in space technology and green mobility represent two sides of the same coin—a commitment to innovation that is both high-tech and human-centric. The bike parking garage, for instance, is more than just a place to leave a bicycle; it’s a symbol of Berlin’s evolving urban identity, where sustainability and convenience go hand in hand. And for Planet Labs, the new manufacturing facility is not just about building satellites—it’s about embedding the city even deeper into the global space economy.
It’s worth noting that both projects have roots in broader policy initiatives. The Federal Fund for Climate and Transformation, which supports the bike garage, is part of Germany’s wider effort to meet its ambitious climate goals and transform its infrastructure for a low-carbon future. The push for technological sovereignty in space, meanwhile, reflects Europe’s determination to avoid dependence on external powers for critical security and economic infrastructure. These are not isolated efforts; they are part of a coordinated strategy to ensure that Germany—and Berlin in particular—remains at the forefront of both technological progress and environmental responsibility.
For Berliners, these changes will soon be visible in everyday life. Commuters in Schöneweide will have a new, secure place to park their bikes and access repair services, while engineers, technicians, and space enthusiasts will see new opportunities emerge as Planet Labs ramps up satellite production. The city’s leaders hope that these projects will inspire confidence in Berlin’s future and attract further investment from both domestic and international players.
As the city balances its high-flying ambitions in space with practical steps to improve life on the ground, Berlin is showing that innovation doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. Whether it’s satellites orbiting the Earth or bicycles rolling through city streets, the German capital is placing its bets on a future where technology, sustainability, and opportunity go hand in hand.
