PlanetScope data, produced from the SuperDove constellation, operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where they are exposed to space weather. The current solar cycle, Solar Cycle 25, has produced significantly higher solar activity than initial forecasts from NOAA and NASA predicted. This activity increases extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation, which heats and expands the upper atmosphere and increases atmospheric drag on satellites in LEO.

This heightened drag affects SuperDove satellites in two ways. It accelerates orbital decay, shortening a satellite's operational lifespan, and it speeds up drift away from the target Local Time of Ascending Node (LTAN), which changes the angle at which sunlight reaches the solar panels and can reduce the power available for imaging operations.

Planet continuously refines its constellation configuration to offset these effects, and has observed atmospheric conditions return to projected ranges as of September 2025. For independent data on current solar activity, see the NOAA Solar Cycle Progression Dashboard.