Ibadan, 30 October 2024. – Spire Global, Inc. has won a concept study contract from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to develop space-based capabilities for a wildfire early detection warning and active monitoring system. As a result, Spire will partner with OroraTech to design a comprehensive and scalable solution.
Under the contract, Spire and OroraTech will develop a low-cost, orbital solution for monitoring wildfire-prone areas in the United States. Spire will consequently 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. Furthermore, OroraTech has operated thermal infrared sensors in orbit on Spire’s satellites.
No earlier than 2025, the Companies will tentatively 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.
Commenting on the contract, Peter Platzer, CEO of Spire Global, noted, “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.”
Likewise, Thomas Grübler, Chief Strategy Officer & co-founder of OroraTech, remarked, “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.”