Super early 1:1 full scale model of the Planet Labs Dove (Cosmogia) satellite, measuring 23 x 7.5 x 15.75, composed of deployable Triangular Advanced Solar Cells (TASC) that would charge 8 Lithium-Ion cells, providing 20Ah of charge at full capacity. The Dove bus provides central power control through a power supply to the camera, the flight computer and the magnetorquers. The power supply regulates the voltages and ensures a stable power supply to each component. The model is mounted atop a metal base to an overall height of 13.75 inches. In fine condition, with slight peeling to yellow tape at one end of a solar array.
Actual flown Doves are about the size of a shoebox and weigh approximately 5 kilograms, which is many orders of magnitude smaller than traditional satellites. Doves are typically launched into space in large batches called ‘flocks,’ with the oldest Doves still imaging the Earth having been launched into space in December 2015 aboard the Atlas V.
Accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from tech venture capitalist Steve Jurvetson, who writes: “This Cosmogia full scale model of their groundbreaking Dove satellite was the first model made by the company, now called, Planet Labs. I led Cosmogia’s Seed round of investment in 2011, before they incorporated, and I also led their Series A round in 2012 and became their first outside board member. As such, they presented me with this unique model as a token of appreciation, and I have kept it in my treasured collection of space artifacts until this day.
In April 2013, Cosmogia launched its first Dove satellite, a complete success on the first flight. Two months later, Cosmogia changed its name to Planet Labs. They pioneered the ‘smallsat’ industry that has revolutionized the cost and pace of advancement in satellites. Their 3U CubeSat format houses a commercial telescope as well as batteries, electronics and inertial sensors from the cell phone industry. They proved that commercial-off-the-shelf electronics and subcomponents could survive in space, and thereby reduce costs over 1000-fold. By flying hundreds of Dove satellites, they are able to faster scan the entire Earth every day, the first and only company to do so. In December 2021, Planet Labs became a public company (NYSE: PL), and they generate 10x as much Earth imagery as all other companies combined.”
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