Planet Labs Inc. announced on Monday that it will be launching over 100 satellites over the next twelve months.
The satellites will be released on rockets from the U.S. to Russia. The launch will result in the largest constellation of satellites in history, with the new launches adding to the 28 satellites that were released in January, according to Space Daily.
Based in San Francisco, Calif., Planet Labs is a space-information company that uses Earth imaging satellites to image the whole planet, collect data and encourage action against global issues. Planet Labs looks to provide access to information for people around the world about the changes the planet goes through and promote global cooperation, Space Ref reported.
Will Marshall, co-founder of Planet Labs, said the collection of satellites will capture images of the entire Earth throughout the day in order to solve global problems, Space Ref reported.
"We are imaging the planet to save the planet," Marshall said. "Imaging the Earth at this frequency will help us to measure things from deforestation, to improving agricultural yield, to detecting overfishing. Our mission is to create information people need to help life on the planet."
Planet Labs designed the satellites to use accelerometers, commercial light sensors and motors to position their cameras, the New York Times reported. The satellites are powered by laptop batteries, which are cheaper than most batteries and can fit inside the satellite's frame.
Steve Jurvetson, board member of Planet Labs and Space X, said the size of the satellites helps in fulfilling the company's constellation, according to Space Ref.
"Getting 100 satellites on the launch manifest is a major milestone in the new space industry," Jurvetson said. "The small form factor requires less space on the rocket, allowing for more flexibility for launch configurations. And a constellation of 100 satellites is unprecedented."
Marshall said he is confident that Planet Labs will be able to compete with other satellites, the New York Times reported.
"This is the rapid prototyping, like you see with software, taken to space," Marshall said. "We can see rivers changing course. We can count individual trees."
