CSA signs Spire Global for WildFireSat mission

Spire Global, a company specializing in space analytics with offices in Glasgow, has secured a contract from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to demonstrate methods for detecting wildfires from space as part of the WildFireSat mission. The initial phase of the mission aims to utilize infrared sensors to monitor all active wildfires in Canada on a daily basis from space. This will facilitate better wildfire management and provide more precise information on smoke and air quality conditions as well as carbon emissions caused by wildfires.

While Spire Global is known for its satellite-powered data analysis capabilities in the fields of global shipping, aviation, and weather, its subsidiary ExactEarth Ltd will be collaborating with OroraTech, a Munich-based thermal-infrared data intelligence firm, for this project. The WildFireSat mission is slated for launch in 2029 and is expected to span five years, with the possibility of an extension. Dr. Josh Johnston, a forest fire research scientist with the Canadian Forest Service, serves as the mission's principal investigator, and all processed and calibrated satellite data will be made available to the public once it becomes available.

The WildFireSat mission is a significant step forward in Canada's efforts to combat the impact of wildfires on its environment and public health. With the help of Spire Global and its partners, Canadian authorities will be able to coordinate their response efforts more effectively and gain valuable insights into the behavior of wildfires, improving their ability to predict and manage them.

Spire Global's involvement in this mission underscores its growing reputation as a leader in space-based data analytics. Its expertise in satellite technology and data analysis has enabled it to collaborate with other organizations in diverse fields and provide innovative solutions to complex challenges.

In addition to its work with the Canadian Space Agency, Spire Global is also involved in several other initiatives aimed at advancing space-based analytics and data processing. These include partnerships with NASA's Earth Science Division and the European Space Agency, among others.

As the company continues to expand its reach and capabilities, it is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of space-based data analytics and unlocking new insights into our planet and beyond.