NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has awarded a concept study contract to Spire Global to develop space-based capabilities for a wildfire early detection warning and active monitoring system. Spire will partner with OroraTech, a space-based thermal intelligence company, to design a comprehensive and scalable solution.
Satellite monitoring network
Under the contract, Spire and OroraTech will develop a low-cost, orbital solution for monitoring wildfire-prone areas in the USA. Spire will leverage its experience developing and operating space and ground systems alongside OroraTech’s expertise in thermal infrared sensing for early detection of wildfires. OroraTech’s orbital network of thermal sensors currently provides wildfire detection and management services to commercial forest companies, public fire departments and conservation areas on six continents across the world.
Satellite data delivered in near real time to fire managers and first responders enhanced decision making and response times, which has improved wildfire management and mitigation efforts, the companies say.
OroraTech has successfully operated thermal infrared sensors in orbit on satellites designed and built by Spire. No earlier than 2025, the companies plan to deliver OroraTech’s next eight wildfire-detecting satellites to orbit, dubbed OTC-P1, establishing the first and largest constellation of satellites dedicated to tracking and monitoring wildfires.
Extreme wildfire warnings
According to a report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and GRID-Arendal, the frequency and intensity of extreme wildfires are projected to rise by 30% by the end of 2050.
“Wildfires are an escalating threat with far-reaching impacts on our environment and communities,” said Peter Platzer, CEO of Spire Global. “Current monitoring methods fall short during peak periods of fire intensity. By leveraging the transformative power of space-based technology and our partnership with OroraTech, we aim to close this gap and provide a scalable, low-cost solution for early wildfire detection and monitoring.”
“Our orbital detection capabilities are incredibly valuable for quickly finding, tracking and predicting the spread of wildfires and will play a crucial role in mitigating their impact,” said Thomas Grübler, chief strategy officer and co-founder of OroraTech. “Together with Spire, this unique technology is prepared to close the detection gap and make actionable data available for thousands of federal, state and local fire departments and agencies.”
In 2023, Spire and OroraTech were awarded a contract by the Canadian Space Agency to deliver preparatory work of a dedicated satellite constellation to monitor all active wildfires in Canada from space.
In related news, EUMETSAT, in collaboration with Meteo Benin, recently held its biennial conference for African weather and climate experts in Cotonou, Benin, in which the executives discussed the continent’s access to new and more precise meteorological satellite data and the data’s use for early warnings of severe weather events. Click here to read the full story.
