Planet and Rwanda launch national satellite data program

Planet Labs and the Government of Rwanda have launched a new national satellite data program, marking the company’s first national program of its kind in Africa. Managed by the Rwanda Space Agency, the initiative will provide near-daily satellite imagery and data to government agencies, public universities, selected startups, and strategic development partners.

The program aims to support various national development goals, including monitoring agriculture and food security, tracking forest health, refining urban planning and zoning, and informing disaster response and recovery. Additionally, the data will be used by public universities to train students and support advanced research in Earth Observation, while selected startups will utilize the feeds to drive inclusive economic development.