Planet Labs PBC has shipped its Tanager-2 hyperspectral satellite and 18 SuperDoves to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California for a scheduled launch aboard a SpaceX Transporter-18 rideshare mission, according to company announcements. According to Planet CEO Will Marshall, the deployment marks the company’s third launch of the year and doubles its hyperspectral capacity while halving revisit times to track methane leaks.
Tanager-2 Expands Hyperspectral Constellation for Carbon Mapper
The primary mission for the Tanager constellation involves detecting and quantifying methane and carbon dioxide emissions through a public-private partnership with the nonprofit Carbon Mapper, according to project disclosures. Built with an instrument from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Tanager-2 is designed to capture imagery in 426 contiguous bands with a spectral resolution of roughly 5 nanometers and a 30-meter spatial resolution. According to Carbon Mapper CEO Riley Duren, the initiative’s public data has already helped drive global emissions action and mitigate large methane sources across diverse regions.
Did you know? Tanager hyperspectral satellites feature an adjustable sensitivity imaging spectroscopy payload designed to reveal features invisible to the human eye, including offshore methane emissions via glint tasking.
SuperDoves Boost PlanetScope Daily Imaging Capacity
Alongside the hyperspectral satellite, the shipment includes 18 new SuperDoves designated as Flock 4J, according to company statements. First launched in 2019, the SuperDoves feed into PlanetScope, a flagship monitoring mission that captures daily global coverage across millions of square kilometers. According to Will Marshall, these satellites underpin artificial intelligence-powered broad-area solutions that help open new markets for enterprise, civil government, and defense customers.
Broad Commercial Applications for Hyperspectral Data
While greenhouse gas tracking remains the central focus, the growing Tanager fleet supports a wide range of commercial and environmental applications, according to Planet executives. Jeff Guido, Planet vice president for space mission delivery, noted in an interview that government and commercial demand for hyperspectral datasets is rising. According to company technical briefings, the technology can assist with monitoring active mines, analyzing coral reef health, managing agricultural operations, and assessing water body health and wildfire risks.
Future Fleet Expansion Plans
Following the shipment of Tanager-2, Planet plans to build and deploy at least three additional Tanager satellites, according to company disclosures. This includes a previously announced specialized shortwave infrared model scheduled to launch as early as 2028. These subsequent spacecraft will continue to scale up the constellation’s capacity for data-driven climate action and commercial geospatial analytics.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Tanager-2 scheduled to launch?
Tanager-2 and the 18 SuperDoves arrived at Vandenberg Space Force Base for a launch planned no earlier than October aboard a SpaceX Transporter-18 rideshare mission.
What is the primary purpose of the Tanager constellation?
According to project partners, the primary mission is detecting and quantifying global methane and carbon dioxide emissions in coordination with the nonprofit Carbon Mapper.
What are SuperDoves used for?
The 18 SuperDoves of Flock 4J supplement PlanetScope, a constellation that provides daily global imaging coverage for commercial enterprises, civil governments, and defense customers.
Who built the Tanager instrument?
The Tanager instrument built by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
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