Wildfire detection – Spire Global wins NASA JPL contract

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Spire Global wins NASA JPL contract for U.S. wildfire detection

The company, which has offices in Glasgow, will be working in partnership with OroraTech, based in Munich. The latter specialises in space-based – via infrared sensors – thermal intelligence. Together, they will be developing an early detection and active monitoring system, deliver satellite data in near real-time.

Wildfire detection

Basically, Spire’s space and ground systems will combine with OroraTech’s existing orbital network, which already provides wildfire detection services. The aim is to improve decision-making and response times of fire managers and first responders.

Under the contract, the companies will develop a low-cost, orbital system for monitoring wildfire-prone areas in the United States. 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 different continents.


The satellites are expected to be built in Spire’s Glasgow offices.

“Current monitoring methods fall short during peak periods of fire intensity,” said Peter Platzer, CEO of Spire Global. “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.”

Canadian Space Agency

It’s not the first time the companies have worked together for wildfire detection.

In May last year, Spire was awarded a contract by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to demonstrate wildfire detection methods from space for the agency’s WildFireSat mission.

The contract formed the initial part of the mission. It aims to monitor from space, on a daily basis, all active wildfires in Canada.

The goal being to better support wildfire management. Specifically, to provide more precise information on smoke and air quality conditions. Also to more accurately measure the carbon emitted by such wildfires.

OTC-P1

Spire Global has manufactured and launched more than 175 satellites, the company states.

No earlier than 2025, the companies plan to deliver OroraTech’s next eight dedicated wildfire-detecting satellites to orbit, dubbed OTC-P1.

Image: Canadian Forest Service (CFS)

See also: Glasgow becomes satellite manufacturing capital of Europe





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