Ororatech: the German startup that detects wildfires in minutes with its own satellites

The German startup Ororatech has developed an early wildfire detection system based on its own satellites and artificial intelligence. Its technology allows for the location of fires within minutes, even at night or through smoke.

Wildfires have become an increasingly frequent threat in southern Europe. Spain, Portugal, and France suffer every summer from waves of fires that devastate thousands of hectares. Early detection is key to preventing the flames from getting out of control, and this is where the technology of the German startup Ororatech comes into play.

Own satellites to cover the 'afternoon gap'

Public systems like NASA or the European Space Agency (ESA) provide free data, but with limitations. Thomas Grübler, the scientific director of Ororatech, explains that "NASA and ESA systems usually take images only at a specific time of day," for example, in the morning or at noon. However, wildfires tend to start after the peak hours, the hottest ones, leaving a critical 'afternoon gap.'

Ororatech covers that gap with its own satellites. In the spring of 2022, it launched the first ones, equipped with thermal infrared sensors that can detect fires even at night or through smoke. The cameras are miniaturised to fit into shoebox-sized satellites, making them cheaper and more energy-efficient.

AI to turn data into useful decisions

Detecting sources of fire is not enough. "We make this data usable," says Grübler. Ororatech analyses not only its own data but also that from ESA and NASA satellites using artificial intelligence. The goal is for "someone who is not an expert in satellites or geodata to be able to make decisions with that information."

Clients receive data about the sources of the fire within minutes, as well as constant information about its potential development and an assessment of its consequences. This allows firefighters to act before the fire spreads.

Goal: 96 daily scans of the entire planet

Currently, Ororatech operates more thermal imaging satellites than any other country or company in the world. Its goal for 2028 is to conduct 96 daily scans, meaning analysing every point on the planet every 15 minutes. This would represent a qualitative leap in global fire monitoring.

For emergency responders and forest managers in Spain, this technology can be a crucial ally. The speed of detection reduces response time and minimises damage. Additionally, the system is designed to be accessible to non-technical users, facilitating its integration into existing protocols.