Question · Q2 2026
Trevor James Walsh inquired about the pipeline for satellite services contracts, focusing on any ring-fencing or guardrails, the capacity to deploy Pelican satellites, and the economic viability of finding suitable large-scale customers. He also asked about the sustainability of the strong gross margins, particularly whether the 60%+ watermark can be maintained into the next fiscal year given the mix of contracts like JSAT.
Answer
Will Marshall (Co-Founder, CEO & Director, Planet Labs) highlighted strong global demand for satellite services, noting collaborations with strategic partners and the synergistic benefits for the core business by increasing satellite capacity and revisit rates. Ashley Fieglein Johnson (President & CFO, Planet Labs) attributed the Q2 gross margin upside to strong usage payments from high-margin data subscription revenue. She clarified that future gross margins would vary with the revenue mix, potentially being lower in the early build phases of satellite services contracts and expanding in later years. Mr. Marshall added that Planet's ability to build satellites quickly positions them competitively.