OroraTech, a German satellite operator, has established its U.S. headquarters in Denver, Colorado. This strategic move aims to leverage its wildfire-monitoring constellation to address the significant wildfire challenges faced in the United States. The company's innovative Wildfire Solution Coop program offers an affordable way for fire agencies to trial its services, with Larimer County, Colorado, being one of the first U.S. customers. Justin Whitesell, emergency services director for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, emphasized the importance of proactive preparation and tools for wildfire intelligence and situational awareness. He stated, “Proactive preparation is the key to reducing wildfire risk and protecting our communities. However, tools for wildfire intelligence and situational awareness are still critical.”
OroraTech’s platform utilizes a network of 10 heat-tracking cubesats, along with public data from other satellites, to significantly enhance response capabilities during wildfires. The company’s expansion isn’t limited to the U.S.; they’ve also secured a contract with the Greek government for a national satellite-based wildfire early warning system and partnered with the Canadian Space Agency on the WildFireSat project. Thomas Grubler, OroraTech’s chief strategy officer and co-founder, highlighted the company's rapid growth, noting that the Denver office, currently employing four, will expand quickly. He also detailed the constellation’s capabilities, stating, “The constellation currently allows for a 4 pm and 4 am (at the equator) global revisit.” A planned increase in satellites will enhance revisit frequency.
OroraTech’s ambitious goal is to operate a constellation of 96 satellites, achieving global thermal imagery every 30 minutes. This will dramatically improve its ability to detect and track wildfires, a crucial need amid increasingly extreme conditions brought on by climate change. The company faces competition in the thermal Earth observation sector, with companies such as MuonSpace also developing wildfire-monitoring constellations. The recent launch of eight additional cubesats by Rocket Lab, built by Spire Global, significantly strengthens OroraTech’s capabilities in this vital area.