Planet is developing a new SWIR Tanager satellite, set to launch as early as 2028, which will enhance methane and trace-gas emissions detection capabilities by focusing solely on shortwave infrared light and covering five times the area compared to its predecessor, Tanager-1. This initiative, in collaboration with Carbon Mapper and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, aims to support commercial applications such as mineral exploration and fire monitoring while contributing to global emissions tracking efforts.
Planet's development of the SWIR Tanager satellite, with its enhanced ability to detect methane and trace-gas emissions, offers significant potential for commercial applications such as mineral exploration and fire monitoring. This expansion of the Tanager constellation highlights Planet's strategic move to quickly and efficiently deploy cutting-edge spacecraft that could have substantial global impacts, presenting potential investment opportunities or partnerships in environmental monitoring and commercial space sectors.