NASA has awarded space data and analytics company Spire Global a concept study contract to develop space-based capabilities for a bushfire early detection warning and active monitoring system. Spire will partner with space-based thermal intelligence business OroraTech to design a solution.
Under the contract, Spire and OroraTech will develop a low-cost orbital solution for monitoring bushfire-prone areas in the US. Spire will leverage its experience developing and operating space and ground systems alongside OroraTech’s expertise in thermal infrared sensing. OroraTech’s existing orbital network of thermal sensors provides bushfire detection and management services to commercial forest companies, public fire departments and conservation areas on six continents.
Satellite data delivered in near real-time to fire managers and first responders can improve decision-making and response times, significantly improving bushfire management and mitigation efforts. Finding a solution is critical, as the frequency and intensity of extreme bushfires are projected to rise by 30% by the end of 2050, according to a report by the UN Environment Programme and GRID-Arendal.
“Bushfires are an escalating threat with far-reaching impacts on our environment and communities,” said Spire Global CEO Peter Platzer. “Current monitoring methods fall short during peak periods of fire intensity. By leveraging the 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 bushfire detection and monitoring.”
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 bushfire-detecting satellites to orbit, dubbed OTC-P1, establishing the first and largest constellation of satellites dedicated to tracking and monitoring bushfires.
“Our orbital detection capabilities are valuable for quickly finding, tracking and predicting the spread of bushfires and will play a crucial role in mitigating their impact,” said OroraTech Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Thomas Grübler. “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 bushfires in Canada from space.
