The Munich startup Quantum SystemsA developer and manufacturer of intelligent aerial reconnaissance systems has entered into a strategic partnership with Planet Labs, a world-leading provider of Earth observation satellites. The aim of the collaboration is to combine data from orbit and the air into a comprehensive information system, thereby enabling faster situational awareness and decision-making, particularly in the military sector.
Detailed reconnaissance thanks to satellite imagery and drone use
The partnership combines Planet Labs' orbital perspective with Quantum Systems' drone reconnaissance and MOSAIC UXS mission software. This enables the companies to achieve continuous and large-scale detection of changes.
Florian Seibel, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Quantum Systems, says:
“Our collaboration with Planet will provide our operators with real-time maps from orbit. By integrating Earth observation data into our MOSAIC UXS mission software, the Space and ISR domains are growing together. This will allow operators to plan missions more precisely, make decisions faster, and increase the safety of their operations.”
Together, both partners are creating a new standard for so-called "Tip & Cue operations: Satellites identify changes on Earth, and drones then investigate these points in detail. This provides emergency responders with a complete, dynamic situational picture from orbit to the operational level.
Planet Labs uses high-resolution satellite imagery to enable automated change detection across large areas. As soon as a new area of interest is identified, the system provides a digital cue. Quantum Systems' MOSAIC software can then trigger the targeted deployment of an unmanned vehicle equipped with multisensor drones to investigate the situation in detail. This combination is designed to increase operational precision, utilize resources more efficiently, and significantly reduce the workload of analysts.
European technology for security and sovereignty
Charlie Candy, Chief Revenue Officer at Planet Labs, comments:
“Both Planet Labs and Quantum Systems have already made significant contributions to Ukraine’s defense efforts. This partnership will allow us to maximize the impact and help ensure that other European nations have the most efficient tools to secure peace and stability throughout the region.”
With this collaboration, Quantum Systems and Planet Labs are sending a clear signal for Europe's technological independence. Both companies aim to future-proof the European defense and security sector through AI-supported data analysis, automated processes, and cross-domain networking.
Seibel summarizes:
"This partnership underlines how our complementary technologies reinforce each other – and represents our shared commitment to European security and technological sovereignty."
