OroraTech supports new wildfire control centres in Patagonia region

by Featured NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

OroraTech satellite services launched in Rio Negro

Satellite-powered wildfire detection and monitoring services have launched across Argentina’s Rio Negro province, with coverage stated as 20 million hectares in the Patagonia region.

OroraTech announced the deployment alongside GPTech and the Rio Negro provincial government.

The partnership includes two newly constructed wildfire control centres in Bariloche and El Bolsón, built and operated by GPTech.

OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution is set out as the digital core of the centres, providing thermal intelligence and near real time alerts for decision-makers, local firefighters – brigadistas – and emergency planners.

Control centres combine satellite data with ground inputs

The control centres are intended to coordinate response and prevention efforts by combining OroraTech’s proprietary satellite data with ground-based inputs, drone footage and communications infrastructure powered by Starlink.

Axel Roenneke, Chief Commercial Officer at OroraTech, said: “This marks a new chapter for wildfire response in Argentina.

“We are proud to provide the space-based intelligence that will help protect lives, ecosystems, and the economy of the Rio Negro province.

“This partnership showcases how local innovation and global technology can come together to build resilience.”

Gabriel Porta, founder and CEO of GPTech, commented: “We are building multi-orbit connected control centers to connect brigadists on the ground with critical information and communications tools.

“OroraTech’s data is at the core of this system, enabling us to act faster and smarter against wildfires.”

Provincial officials, including the Governor and Minister of Environment, inaugurated the control centres on 14 February.

Rio Negro provincial government endorsement was described as part of a wider strategy to modernise environmental protection and emergency response.

Thermal livestream could speed wildfire detection from orbit to ground

by Featured NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

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.

NAIT Applied Research partner with Peavine Métis Settlement

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

NAIT Applied Research has partnered with the Peavine Métis Settlement to develop a wildfire detection system designed to help protect the community.

The project comes after the devastating Grizzly Complex wildfire in May 2023, which forced the evacuation of the settlement and left lasting emotional and environmental impacts.

Regional Planning Coordinator, Peavine Métis Settlement, Lynn Smith’s statement

Lynn Smith, Regional Planning Coordinator with the Peavine Métis Settlement explained: “It has been a couple of years since the 2023 fire that had us evacuating our homes, since then it has been haunting to watch others go through the same trauma every time a wildfire pops up.

“We are ever so grateful to all that helped our community and in turn I feel this project is a way of paying it forward, by partnering with NAIT and creating an early warning system.

“I predict great things with this partnership going forward.”

The initiative, led by NAIT’s Centre for Sensors and System Integration, aims to provide the community with early warnings of wildfire threats through a network of environmental sensors placed in the surrounding forest.

JR Shaw Applied Research Chair, Centre for Sensors & System Integration, Dr. Quamrul Huda’s statement

Dr. Quamrul Huda, JR Shaw Applied Research Chair, Centre for Sensors & System Integration added: “The detection system uses compact sensor units that will be placed in trees covering a range of tens of kilometers outside the community.

“These units monitor smoke, temperature, humidity and air quality, transmitting data wirelessly to a central hub in Peavine where trained staff interpret the information.”

A system that identifies wildfire conditions

The goal is to identify wildfire conditions before they escalate, offering precious time for response and evacuation if needed.

The system is currently being refined and validated through a co-location placement at Alberta Capital Airshed’s Edmonton McCauley station before full deployment in Peavine, expected ahead of the next wildfire season.

Beyond immediate safety, the system will collect long-term environmental data to help identify patterns and predict wildfire risk.

The project also holds promise for broader application across Alberta and Canada, where communities face increasing wildfire threats.

NAIT Applied Research partner with Peavine Métis Settlement: Summary

NAIT Applied Research has partnered with the Peavine Métis Settlement to develop a wildfire detection system designed to help protect the community.

How new thermal cameras will transform fire detection in Morro Bay

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFirefighting EquipmentThermal ImagingWildland Fire

SYTIS donates thermal cameras to Morro Bay Fire Department

Partnership supports early fire and marine incident detection

SYTIS, based in San Luis Obispo, California, has donated three pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) thermal cameras to the Morro Bay Fire Department.

The company said the technology aims to enhance both wildfire detection and port management across the coastal area.

SYTIS designs and manufactures thermal cameras paired with artificial intelligence (AI) software that can detect heat anomalies through clouds, rain, fog and smoke.

According to the company, the systems automatically send images and alerts to designated personnel, providing early warnings of electrical faults or potential wildfires.

Cameras deployed for wide-area monitoring

The Morro Bay Fire Department confirmed that each camera will be installed in a specific location to cover different operational needs.

A five-mile camera with a 150-millimetre lens will be mounted on the Nutmeg Street water tank to monitor vessel fires in the harbour and wildfire risks across a wide radius.

A two-mile camera with a 100-millimetre lens will be installed on a mobile trailer near the Water Resources Center.

This unit can detect a one-metre-square fire from up to five miles away.

A smaller 25-millimetre camera will be permanently fixed to a fire truck, offering real-time thermal vision and heat alerts for crews in the field.

Local fire chief welcomes new technology

Morro Bay Fire Chief Daniel McCrain said: “The Morro Bay Fire Department is excited to partner with SYTIS to enhance the safety of our citizens and visitors.

“It also adds a method for early fire detection and notification in our open space and harbour.”

SYTIS said the deployment builds on the company’s record of installations in wildfire detection zones, where its PTZ cameras have already demonstrated early warning benefits.

Industry recognition for thermal imaging innovation

In September, Ryan Severe of Puget Sound Energy received the National Safety Council’s Green Cross for Safety Innovation Award for his use of SYTIS infrared systems in wind turbine maintenance.

The company said this application enabled remote diagnostics and improved operational safety standards across the renewable energy sector.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Thermal imaging technology such as SYTIS’s PTZ cameras is relevant to fire departments, marine safety authorities and emergency response coordinators.

For municipal fire services, the integration of fixed and mobile infrared units can improve situational awareness in both urban–wildland interfaces and industrial zones.

For port and harbour managers, the same systems offer continuous visual monitoring for vessel fires and other heat-related anomalies, especially in poor visibility.

The deployment in Morro Bay demonstrates how AI-enabled imaging tools can support early detection strategies while expanding use cases into marine environments.

How a space-based wildfire system is changing emergency management in Colorado

by Featured NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

Larimer County partners with OroraTech for wildfire detection

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with OroraTech USA to improve wildfire preparedness and response across Colorado’s fire-prone northern region.

The 2025 pilot programme integrates OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution platform into the county’s Emergency Services Division workflow.

According to OroraTech, the platform provides near-instant wildfire alerts, AI-powered spread modelling and operational insights adapted to the area’s mountainous terrain.

Officials said the integration supports early identification of wildfire outbreaks, more accurate situational assessments and faster decision-making during the critical early hours of an incident.

AI modelling enhances emergency decision-making

Justin Whitesell, Chief of Emergency Services for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, said: “Larimer County continues to face rising wildfire frequency and severity. OroraTech provides us with a new layer of intelligence to act faster and smarter.

“It helps us to verify ignition points, model fire spread, and make better decisions with our firefighting resources.

“It’s quickly becoming a vital addition to our toolkit.”

Between 1984 and 2021, Larimer County recorded at least 16 major wildfires, including the 208,000-acre Cameron Peak Fire in 2020 and the 87,000-acre High Park Fire in 2012.

More than 15% of the county’s land area has been burned in recent decades.

The county’s geography and growing population density have increased the complexity of wildfire management.

Space-based intelligence aids local response

Thomas Gruebler, CEO of OroraTech USA, said: “Wildfires are the most frequent natural hazard in Larimer County, and our goal is to ensure agencies have the best possible intelligence at their fingertips.

“We are proud to support Chief Whitesell, Sheriff John Feyen, and the LCSO team in safeguarding lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems.”

OroraTech said its Wildfire Solution combines satellite imagery and AI to detect ignition points, track fire movement and predict behaviour under changing conditions.

The company explained that the system continues to deliver data even in difficult terrain and reduced visibility.

Officials said this provides situational awareness within minutes rather than hours.

Technology supports wildfire resilience in Colorado

The Larimer County pilot reflects growing interest in satellite-driven fire intelligence across the American West.

According to OroraTech, early adoption by local authorities can help improve coordination and resource deployment during large-scale wildfire events.

The company added that the partnership demonstrates how satellite monitoring can complement existing detection systems, supporting county-level emergency planning.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Satellite-based wildfire detection systems such as OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution could inform emergency and disaster response managers evaluating digital monitoring tools for regional preparedness planning.

The Larimer County pilot may be of interest to fire chiefs, incident commanders and operations officers assessing how near-real-time data can enhance decision-making during the first phase of a wildfire event.

Procurement officers and technology leads within fire and rescue services may also find relevance in how the platform integrates with existing emergency service workflows.

The pilot highlights how satellite imagery and AI-driven spread modelling can be used to support early warning, resource allocation and operational coordination across complex wildfire zones.

OroraTech launches satellite constellation for wildfire detection & data accumulation

by Featured NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

OroraTech has successfully launched the world’s first wildfire constellation of eight satellites, built jointly by OroraTech and Spire Global, from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.

This constellation will provide real-time wildfire detection and change the way satellites will be used in fighting the growing wildfire problem.

For the first time, sensor data will be available during the crucial time in the afternoon and at night, a time when fires rage the hottest and firefighters need the most support. No other data from public thermal satellites is available during these critical periods of the day.

CEO and CTO, Orora Tech, Dr. Martin Langer’s statement

Dr. Martin Langer, CEO & CTO of OroraTech, said: “This is a new era of combating wildfires. We are fulfilling our mission to provide heroes on the ground with the insights they need to save lives, land, and property.

“By filling this gap, we are providing information that the firefighting community has been requesting for decades.

“I want to thank the entire OroraTech team and our partners Spire Global and Rocket Lab for their commitment and hard work in making this unprecedented achievement possible.”

Prevalence of the new constellation

With its new constellation, OroraTech will bring to its global customer base two world firsts; wildfire information in real time alerting users on the ground within minutes, and wide coverage with high-resolution sensors that spot fires as small as 4m x 4m.

This provides first responders, governments, and fire organizations with unprecedented situational awareness at every stage of the fire. 

Spire Global built and integrated the satellites with OroraTech’s thermal imager and processing systems, highlighting their ongoing collaboration in the fight against wildfires.

This constellation expands the OroraTech satellite network, adding eight more satellites to the existing network of over 25+ integrated satellites.

The Rocket Lab launch mission, named “Finding Hot Wildfires Near You,” saw the Electron rocket deliver the eight satellites into a 550km orbit.

OroraTech’s satellites provide continuous global coverage, circling the Earth multiple times a day, gathering high-resolution data.

This data is uploaded into the company’s Wildfire Solution platform to display the location, size, and spread of a fire. By integrating many different satellites and data sources, OroraTech ensures a continuous flow of new fire data to be sent directly to their userbase of over 500+ users worldwide.

Plans moving forward

OroraTech is already set to grow their network of satellites quickly, with another eight satellites launching at the end of 2025. This provides even more coverage of wildfires, giving more frequent updates to emergency responders and other customers. 

Satellite constellation for wildfire detection & data accumulation launched by OroraTech: Summary

OroraTech has announced the launch of the world’s first wildfire constellation of eight satellites, built jointly by OroraTech and Spire Global, from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.

Dr. Martin Langer, CEO & CTO of OroraTech, said the launch has welcomed a new era of fighting wildfires.

OroraTech collaborates with DLR to share land surface temperature data across Germany

by Featured NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

OroraTech partners with German Space Agency to provide thermal data

As reported by OroraTech, the German Space Agency (DLR) has entered a multi-year partnership with OroraTech to utilise its land surface temperature data.

The agreement aims to supply data to scientists, research institutions, and public authorities across Germany.

Data will be sourced from OroraTech’s FOREST-2 satellite, currently in orbit, and the soon-to-be-launched OTC-P1.

These datasets will provide the German scientific community with both real-time and historical thermal data.

Applications of thermal data in Germany

Land surface temperature data offers numerous applications in urban and environmental planning.

It supports city planners in monitoring heat distribution, enables better forest health assessments, and enhances wildfire prevention efforts.

In agriculture, the data assists in observing crop irrigation patterns, leading to improved productivity.

These insights, accessible through OroraTech’s platform, contribute to addressing environmental challenges.

Statements from key figures

Godela Roßner, Head of Earth Observation at the German Space Agency, said: “Partnering with OroraTech allows us to provide German scientists and application developers with the high-quality thermal data they need to drive impactful research.”

Lisa-Katharina Habich, Head of Business Development at OroraTech, added: “We’re proud to see our data empowering scientists across Germany to develop innovative solutions to climate challenges.”

Collaboration aligns with German climate initiatives

This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing national climate strategies.

By integrating OroraTech’s thermal data into its ecosystem, the German Space Agency supports broader research and application development to address pressing environmental issues.

OroraTech collaborates with DLR to share land surface temperature data across Germany: Summary

OroraTech has entered a multi-year partnership with the German Space Agency (DLR) to provide land surface temperature data to scientists and institutions across Germany.

The data, collected via the FOREST-2 and OTC-P1 satellites, has applications in urban planning, forestry management, wildfire prevention, and agriculture.

The collaboration underscores the role of public-private partnerships in addressing climate challenges and supporting Germany’s environmental research initiatives.