Why It Matters

Planet Labs PBC’s decision to hire Miller Strategies LLC represents a significant escalation as Congress is actively moving legislation directly tied to its’ core business.

The ASCEND Act would formalize NASA’s commercial satellite data purchasing, while the LAUNCH Act aims to streamline FAA licensing for commercial remote sensing. The Trump administration’s deregulatory executive order simultaneously removes operational barriers.

Miller Strategies brings firepower Planet previously lacked. The firm already represents SpaceX and major clients like Apple and Occidental Petroleum. Stefan Passantino served as Deputy White House Counsel under Trump, providing insider knowledge of executive branch procurement—critical for a company seeking expanded government contracts.

By the Numbers

Planet Labs PBC has invested $722,150 in federal lobbying since 2016 across 20 disclosures. The company previously retained Signal Group DC ($290,000), Velocity Government Relations LLC ($192,150), and Icebreaker Strategies LLC ($50,000). The company established in-house lobbying capacity in 2025, spending $190,000 in the third quarter alone.

Lobbying team: Jeffrey Miller, founder of Miller Strategies, brings extensive political networks. Stefan C. Passantino, who served as Deputy White House Counsel under Trump, represents emerging tech companies including Archer Aviation Inc. and Zoom Communications Inc..

The Agenda

Planet Labs hired Miller Strategies to advocate on "remote sensing data buys and satellite imagery data services for commercial and Federal civilian and defense agency use" and "regulatory reform to reduce burdens on commercial space activity."

These issues align with legislation moving through Congress. The ASCEND Act would create a permanent NASA program for purchasing commercial Earth observation data. The LAUNCH Act would streamline FAA licensing for commercial space launches and remote sensing systems.

Broader Context

Congress is actively advancing legislation to expand government procurement of commercial satellite imagery. The ASCEND Act would formalize NASA’s Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition Program, while the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 includes provisions supporting commercial satellite data purchases.

During a recent House Armed Services Committee hearing, Air Force leaders emphasized the need to "leverage innovations from smaller commercial companies" for space capabilities. The Trump administration has prioritized deregulation of commercial space through executive action.

Geopolitical competition with China is driving congressional urgency. China’s rapidly expanding commercial space sector creates pressure for U.S. policymakers to accelerate domestic investment and competitiveness.

Between The Lines

The ASCEND Act stands as the most critical pending legislation, creating a durable pathway for federal agencies to purchase commercial Earth observation data. The LAUNCH Act targets regulatory reform, streamlining FAA licensing processes.

Recent congressional activity demonstrates momentum. Senators Kelly, Cornyn, Luján, and Scott introduced the LAUNCH Act, arguing outdated regulations give China competitive advantage. The House Science Committee requested a GAO review of licensing processes.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive pressure is real. Maxar Technologies is lobbying on nearly identical issues. Planet Labs recently won a $12.8 million contract from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, but accessing larger, longer-term contracts requires the institutional access Miller Strategies provides.

Companies with established relationships and sophisticated government affairs operations are better positioned to capture expanding procurement budgets and influence policy outcomes.

The Bottom Line

Planet Labs has significantly escalated its government affairs operation by hiring Miller Strategies, positioning itself to capitalize on favorable congressional momentum and Trump administration deregulation. The firm will deploy lobbyists Jeffrey Miller and Stefan C. Passantino to advocate for expanded government purchases of commercial satellite data and regulatory reform as Congress considers legislation directly benefiting the company’s core business.

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