Canada Awards $72M Contract for Wildfire-Tracking Satellite Constellation

The WildFireSat mission, developed by Spire Global Canada and OroraTech, will use advanced infrared sensors to monitor wildfires from space starting in 2029.

• The Canadian Space Agency has granted a $72 million contract to Spire Global Canada to develop the WildFireSat satellite constellation.
• The constellation will consist of seven active satellites, two on-orbit spares, and one ground spare, with the first operational satellites launching in 2029.
• Equipped with infrared and optical sensors from OroraTech, the satellites will provide near real-time data on wildfire intensity, progression, and danger levels.
• The mission aims to address gaps in wildfire monitoring during the late afternoon peak burn period and reduce Canada's annual wildfire-related costs, which currently exceed $1 billion.
• The satellites will be manufactured in Canada, creating new jobs and facilities in Ontario, and represent the first national program dedicated to wildfire monitoring from space.

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