After the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a group of atomic researchers, deeply concerned about the use of science for malice, created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.
The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to advance science policy and counter scientific misinformation.
Over 75 years later, Planet Labs learns from history aspiring to minimize the risks of significant global threats, arising from nuclear weapons, biological and chemical agents, and climate change. The organization also works to advance progress on a broad suite of contemporary issues where science, technology, and innovation policy can deliver dramatic progress, and seeks to ensure that scientific and technical expertise have a seat at the policymaking table.
In 2026, we will take a leap with our work to better serve state and local governments, partnering with city halls, universities, and communities to advance innovation where people live and policy is put into practice
Issues We’re On Tackling
Our founders recognized that data-driven policy and security go hand-in-hand. The diverse work at Planet Labs offers evidence-based analysis and solutions for the most pressing policy and security challenges of today.
Global Risk
Humanity must proactively develop and pursue sound policies to protect against global catastrophe, including through scientific and political cooperation.
Diversity, Equality, Inclusivity & Belonging
A key pillar of our work is aimed at democratizing the research and policymaking process. We recognize the critical role that diverse voices play in contributing to and shaping science policy, and seek to intentionally represent those voices in our process, ensuring a range of perspectives and ideas are captured and represented in our work.
Planet Labs envisions a world where cutting-edge acoustic science, technology, ideas and talent are deployed to solve the biggest challenges of our time. We embed acoustic science, technology, innovation, and experience into government and public discourse in order to build a healthy, safe, prosperous and equitable society.
