Thermal livestream could speed wildfire detection from orbit to ground
Iain Hoey
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Kepler satellites host SAFIRE Gen4 for thermal livestream wildfire data
OroraTech has launched four SAFIRE Gen4 thermal sensor payloads aboard Kepler Communications’ next generation satellites deployed via SpaceX on 12 January 2026 from Munich and Toronto operations.
OroraTech announced that the deployment sets the path to establishing the first thermal livestream of Earth, using Kepler’s optical communications network to deliver persistent, near real time infrared data from orbit to the ground.
The company stated that thermal insights will be computed on orbit and relayed through Kepler’s satellite network, enabling fast wildfire detection and continuous thermal monitoring at a global scale.
Martin Langer, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of OroraTech, said: “OroraTech is leading the way by delivering the first thermal livestream of the Earth, leveraging Kepler’s always-connected satellite network to have the Earth’s thermal signature in real-time at a global scale.”
“Together with industry partners, we are setting a new global standard for real-time intelligence.”
Mina Mitry, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Kepler Communications, said: “OroraTech is defining the global standard for live environmental intelligence.”
“By leveraging our payload hosting capacity, high-throughput optical communications, and edge compute infrastructure, this partnership demonstrates how the industry can break new ground and deliver on the promise of real-time access to data.”
Satellite network and sensor design for wildfire monitoring
OroraTech described SAFIRE Gen4 as a flexible, space qualified thermal imaging system designed for durability and compatibility across a wide range of orbital platforms.
The SAFIRE family of sensors is flight proven on OroraTech and partner satellites currently in orbit, with the company describing it as the most widely deployed commercial thermal imaging solution to date.
Integrated with Kepler’s next generation satellites, the Gen4 sensors are designed to deliver rapid thermal anomaly detection and high resolution infrared data for environmental monitoring and wildfire intelligence.
Each satellite is described as a 300 kilogram class platform equipped with an advanced networking system that routes data across the constellation before downlinking to ground stations.
Thermal data captured in orbit is routed through the satellite network and delivered to Earth within minutes, with the system intended to reduce detection gaps and improve the speed and global reach of wildfire monitoring.
The announcement outlined how the system is intended to provide persistent infrared data from space to support wildfire detection and response activities.
