As Greece braces for yet another exceptionally difficult wildfire season a new line of defence is being deployed from above.
A specially designed fleet of satellites, each roughly the size of a small oven, will be on the lookout for the first signs of fire, creating a pioneering system that could save lives, protect communities and strengthen Europe’s push for technological autonomy.
Four OroraTech satellites, each smaller than a carry-on bag, were placed in low Earth orbit in May. Greece thus became the first country in the world to deploy a satellite constellation dedicated specifically to firefighting.
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The satellites carry thermal sensors designed to spot new fire outbreaks as small as four metres across, surpassing the capabilities of conventional satellites, which can only detect fires comparable in size to a cruise ship.
