Greece Taps AI-Powered Satellite Tech to Build Wildfire Defence System
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Loading... - Linda Claasen
- 22 Jul 2024
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Greece’s Ministry of Digital Governance has awarded German startup OroraTech a €20 million contract to develop a satellite-based early warning system for wildfires. This initiative comes in response to the devastating wildfires that cost the Mediterranean nation nearly €2 billion in damages last year.
The Wildfire Defence System
The new national defence system will consist of four thermal satellites, a network of ground sensors, and advanced processing services. OroraTech will collaborate with the European Space Agency (ESA), along with several Greek universities and companies, to bring this project to fruition.
OroraTech's Technology
OroraTech, a spin-out from the Technical University of Munich, specializes in building thermal imaging satellites capable of detecting wildfires from space and monitoring their spread. The company has already launched two satellites, the first of which was sent into low Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in June last year.
The full operation of Greece’s national wildfire system is expected once OroraTech has deployed its complete constellation of 100 shoebox-sized satellites, scheduled for 2026. However, immediate data delivery to Greece will begin with the existing network of thermal platforms, including OroraTech's Wildfire Solution platform.
The Wildfire Solution Platform
OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution aggregates imagery from its own probes and over 20 other Earth observation satellites. An AI algorithm scans these images to automatically detect signs of wildfires and predict their spread. This system will be directly connected to Greek emergency services, providing real-time monitoring and support for firefighting efforts on the ground.
Project Partnerships
In addition to its proprietary technology, OroraTech will collaborate with:
- National Technical University of Athens: Developing data product algorithms.
- National & Kapodistrian University of Athens: Space sensor development.
- Satways: Ensuring product interoperability.
- Attisat: Building a Greek-based ground station.
Significance and Future Prospects
Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance, emphasized the importance of this investment in orbital technology for monitoring wildfires, which pose threats to human lives, ecosystems, and the economy. The project aims to improve the speed and accuracy of wildfire detection and monitoring, particularly crucial for Greece’s geographically dispersed and mountainous regions.
Martin Langer, CEO and CTO of OroraTech, highlighted that Greece will be the first country worldwide to implement a national satellite-based wildfire system. The company’s third satellite, FOREST-3, is scheduled for launch in November, with eight new thermal-imaging satellites set for early 2025 rollout.
As Greece prepares for another wildfire season, this cutting-edge defence system is expected to significantly enhance the country's wildfire response capabilities, providing a robust framework for early detection and effective firefighting operations.
