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Planet Labs Indefinitely Halts Iran Satellite Images After US Request—Here's What We Know
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Planet Labs will indefinitely withhold satellite images of Iran and the broader Middle East conflict zone at the request of the US government, Reuters reported on April 5.
The California-based satellite imaging company informed customers that the restriction would apply to imagery of Iran and the surrounding conflict region.
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In its message to customers, Planet Labs stated it would move to a “managed distribution of images” that do not pose a safety risk.
“These are extraordinary circumstances, and we are doing all we can to balance the needs of all our stakeholders,” the company wrote, adding that images may still be released on a case-by-case basis for urgent, mission-critical, or public-interest needs.
Reuters reported that Planet Labs had previously imposed a 14-day delay on Middle East imagery last month, but has now expanded the policy and expects it to remain in place until the war ends.
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The company stated that it would withhold imagery dating back to March 9.
The organization noted that commercial satellite images are used by governments, companies, researchers, and news organizations, while military applications include target identification, weapons guidance, missile tracking, and communications.
The report added that some space specialists believe Iran could be accessing commercial satellite imagery, including pictures obtained through US adversaries.
Other commercial providers have taken narrower steps. Reuters reported that Vantor, formerly Maxar Technologies, was not contacted by the US government, but stated it already reserves the right to impose enhanced access controls during geopolitical conflicts and has applied them to parts of the Middle East.
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BlackSky Technology did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The new limits also intersect with broader concerns over how satellite imagery has been used in the conflict.
Earlier in late March, Ukrainian intelligence said Russia used satellites to photograph US and allied military facilities across the Middle East and Persian Gulf for Iran. On March 24-26, the targets reportedly included Diego Garcia, Kuwait International Airport, the Greater Burgan oil field, Prince Sultan Air Base, Shaybah, Incirlik, and Al Udeid.
Ukrainian media reported that open-source orbital tracking showed the Russian SAR satellite Neutron, also known as Kosmos 2553, made two passes over the Diego Garcia base on March 24.
