NASA selects Spire and OroraTech for wildfire detection study

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has awarded a concept study contract to Spire Global, a provider of space-based data and analytics, to explore the development of a satellite-based wildfire early detection and monitoring system.

This new initiative, in partnership with OroraTech, a specialist in space-based thermal intelligence, aims to provide a comprehensive, cost-effective approach to monitoring wildfire-prone regions in the United States, as reported by Spire Global.

The collaboration between Spire and OroraTech will build on Spire’s capabilities in space and ground systems, while OroraTech brings expertise in thermal infrared sensing technology.

The goal is to develop a scalable orbital solution for the early detection and real-time monitoring of wildfires.

OroraTech’s existing network already delivers wildfire detection services to various entities, including public fire departments and conservation areas, across six continents.

The need for enhanced wildfire monitoring technology

The proposed satellite-based solution addresses the growing need for improved wildfire management as the frequency and severity of wildfires increase.

A recent report by the UN Environment Programme and GRID-Arendal anticipates a 30% rise in extreme wildfires by 2050.

The system under development aims to support fire managers and responders with near real-time data, which can assist in better decision-making and quicker response times.

Peter Platzer, CEO of Spire Global, emphasised the importance of this technology: “Wildfires are an escalating threat with far-reaching impacts on our environment and communities.

“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.”

Planned satellite constellation to enhance detection capabilities

OroraTech has previously operated thermal infrared sensors on satellites developed by Spire, and the partnership plans to deploy eight additional satellites, called OTC-P1, to bolster wildfire monitoring from space.

The launch, expected no earlier than 2025, will mark the establishment of the first satellite constellation dedicated specifically to wildfire detection and monitoring, according to Spire.

OroraTech’s Chief Strategy Officer and co-founder, Thomas Grübler, highlighted the importance of the new technology: “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.

“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.”

Expansion of wildfire detection efforts in North America

In addition to the NASA contract, Spire and OroraTech were previously selected by the Canadian Space Agency in 2023 for a project aimed at developing a dedicated satellite constellation for wildfire monitoring across Canada.

This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to provide more comprehensive wildfire detection solutions to meet the demands of escalating wildfire risks in North America.

Spire and OroraTech awarded contract for US wildfire monitoring system: Summary

Spire Global and OroraTech have secured a contract from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to explore the development of a satellite-based wildfire early detection and monitoring system for the United States.

The project aims to utilise Spire’s space technology expertise in tandem with OroraTech’s thermal infrared sensing to create a cost-effective, scalable solution.

Planned for initial deployment no earlier than 2025, the constellation of wildfire-detecting satellites, named OTC-P1, is expected to provide timely, actionable data to fire managers and emergency responders.

This collaboration follows a similar contract awarded by the Canadian Space Agency in 2023 to expand wildfire monitoring capabilities across Canada.