Planet Labs makes first contact with hyperspectral Tanager-2 after launch

• Planet Labs PBC launched 20 satellites, including Google’s Project Suncatcher demo, hyperspectral Tanager-2, and 18 SuperDove spacecraft.
• Project Suncatcher aims to test Google Tensor Processing Units in orbit, assessing feasibility of running machine-learning compute in space.
• Tanager-2 commissioning began; the sensor targets methane detection with 426 spectral bands at ~5 nm resolution, 30 m spatial resolution.
• Initial contact confirmed with Tanager-2, the Suncatcher prototype, two SuperDoves; remaining 16 SuperDoves expected via D-Orbit deployment.
• Planet plans at least three additional Tanager satellites, signaling continued investment in scaling hyperspectral capabilities.

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