PLANET

CATEGORY : Branding Identity

LOCATION : Outer space / Orbit

SERVICES : Prototyping | Custom laser etching | Production | Project management

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

SEARCH+RESQ collaborated with Planet Labs, a pioneering aerospace company, to produce custom laser-etched artwork for its fleet of Earth-imaging satellites. Designed to capture a complete image of the planet every day, the company's "Dove" satellites form the world's largest constellation of Earth-observation spacecraft, with new flocks launched into orbit every few months.

Working closely with Planet Labs' creative team, SEARCH+RESQ translated a collection of custom illustrations depicting migratory animals, along with hundreds of inspirational quotes contributed by the company's employees, into permanent laser-etched artwork for the satellites' exterior panels. Through an extensive series of material studies and prototype testing, we refined the engraving process to ensure every detail was precisely etched while meeting the strict engineering requirements of flight-ready spacecraft.

Over the course of several years, SEARCH+RESQ laser engraved artwork onto more than 250 satellites, helping transform each spacecraft into a unique expression of the people behind the mission. Today, these satellites continue to orbit the Earth, carrying stories, artwork, and human creativity into space while documenting our changing planet every day.