Terra Bella Looks to Add to Constellation; FTC OK's Planet Labs Deal

Terra Bella Technologies wants to add six satellites to its remote sensing constellation. In an FCC International Bureau application Friday, the Google subsidiary said it expects to start launching the low earth orbit satellites, SkySat-16 through SkySat-21, as early as September 2018. It said it has seven satellites in operation, with SkySat-8 through SkySat-15 expected to launch this year. The license application comes as Planet Labs is seeking regulatory approval to buy Terra Bella. The FTC signed off on the deal, said an early termination notice Friday. The two announced the deal in February. The transfer of control also is awaiting International Bureau OK (see 1702160010). Terra Bella said it sought IB approval of the additional satellites independent of the license transfer proceeding.