Protecting Canada from space: How this C$72m contract to Spire Global could transform wildfire response

The Canadian Space Agency has assigned a C$72 million contract to Spire Global Canada, a subsidiary of Spire Global, Inc., to design and develop a dedicated satellite constellation for monitoring wildfires across Canada. This initiative, part of the government’s WildFireSat mission, aims to revolutionise wildfire detection and management through space-based technology, addressing the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires driven by climate change.

Spire Global Canada will collaborate with OroraTech, a Munich-based leader in space-based thermal intelligence, to develop advanced payloads for the satellite constellation. This partnership will not only strengthen Canada’s wildfire monitoring capabilities but also foster domestic satellite manufacturing and Indigenous community participation in the mission.

How will the WildFireSat mission improve wildfire detection in Canada?

The WildFireSat mission represents a strategic shift in how Canada responds to wildfire threats. With wildfires becoming increasingly destructive due to rising global temperatures and prolonged dry seasons, traditional ground-based detection methods are no longer sufficient. The new wildfire monitoring system will rely on a network of satellites equipped with advanced thermal imaging technology, capable of detecting active fires in real time from space.

This satellite constellation will specifically target the late afternoon “peak burn period”, a critical time when wildfires tend to be most intense due to higher temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. Current satellite systems often miss this window, creating delays in response efforts. WildFireSat’s real-time data will help emergency services make faster, more informed decisions, improving evacuation planning, resource allocation, and fire suppression strategies.

According to Spire Global’s CEO, Theresa Condor, the technology’s impact extends beyond immediate firefighting efforts. “Detecting wildfires is one of the most impactful satellite capabilities, offering significant benefits for public safety, environmental health, and the economy. We’re proud to support the Government of Canada in developing this next-generation wildfire monitoring system to protect communities and natural resources.”

Why is wildfire monitoring crucial for Canada’s environment and economy?

Wildfires in Canada are not just an environmental concern—they carry enormous economic and social costs. On average, Canada spends around Can$1 billion annually on direct firefighting efforts. However, the indirect costs, including property damage, health-related issues due to smoke exposure, and economic disruptions in sectors like forestry, energy, and tourism, are significantly higher.

In recent years, provinces like British Columbia and Alberta have experienced devastating wildfire seasons, with thousands of residents forced to evacuate, businesses shuttered, and critical infrastructure damaged. Wildfires also have a disproportionate impact on Indigenous communities. Although Indigenous people make up just 5% of Canada’s population, they account for approximately 42% of wildfire-related evacuations, largely due to the remote locations of many communities, which increases their vulnerability to fast-moving fires.

By providing early warnings and real-time data, the WildFireSat constellation aims to reduce these human and economic costs. The system’s data will enhance predictive modelling for wildfire behaviour, enabling proactive measures that could save lives, protect property, and minimise environmental damage.

What role will OroraTech play in the WildFireSat mission?

OroraTech, Spire Global Canada’s key partner in this project, will be responsible for developing the thermal imaging payloads that will be deployed on the satellites. These payloads are designed to detect heat signatures from wildfires with high precision, even through thick smoke or cloud cover. OroraTech will also build the data processing infrastructure needed to manage and analyse the vast amounts of information collected by the satellite constellation.

OroraTech’s technology has already proven effective in wildfire situations. The company has provided wildfire detection services to Quebec’s wildfire authority, Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU), helping to manage and respond to large-scale fires. Martin Langer, CEO and CTO of OroraTech, emphasised the mission’s significance: “Spire and OroraTech are proud to support the Government of Canada with our infrared camera technology and advanced data processing systems. This collaboration will enhance wildfire detection, management, and response capabilities, particularly benefiting vulnerable communities across the country.”

How will the WildFireSat mission support Indigenous communities?

A key element of the WildFireSat mission is its commitment to Indigenous community protection. Recognising the disproportionate impact of wildfires on Indigenous populations, Spire Global Canada and OroraTech have partnered with the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation’s Wakâ Mne – Science and Culture Initiative. This collaboration aims to involve Indigenous businesses in the project, creating economic opportunities and promoting the inclusion of traditional knowledge in wildfire management strategies.

By enabling direct participation in Canada’s growing space sector, the WildFireSat mission supports long-term benefits beyond wildfire monitoring. Employment opportunities in satellite technology, data analysis, and environmental management will contribute to economic resilience in Indigenous communities, fostering sustainable development in regions often overlooked in technological advancements.

What’s next for the WildFireSat mission?

The WildFireSat mission is a joint effort involving several Canadian government agencies, including the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service (CFS), the Canadian Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation (CCMEO), and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). This multi-agency collaboration ensures that the data collected will serve a wide range of applications, from emergency response to environmental monitoring and climate research.

Spire Global Canada plans to expand its Cambridge, Ontario facility to support the production of the satellite constellation. The facility will include advanced satellite manufacturing equipment and testing capabilities, enabling Canada to build and maintain its own space infrastructure for the WildFireSat mission and future projects.

The satellite constellation is scheduled for launch in 2029 and will be operated by the Canadian Space Agency for at least five years. Its success could pave the way for similar satellite networks around the world, providing a model for other countries facing the growing threat of wildfires due to climate change.