Four thermal satellites dedicated to wildfire detection, known as the Hellenic Fire System, launched successfully aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Sunday.
Developed by OroraTech, the satellites feature advanced thermal sensors for near-real-time identification of heat signatures, tracking of fire progression, and post-event damage assessments across Greece. This deployment activates the first phase of Greece’s National Microsatellite Program, integrating data into the Government Earth Observation Hub to support the Greek Fire Service and civil protection authorities in emergencies.
The mission, named Hellenic Space Dawn, also carried two experimental Greek CubeSats focused on Earth observation. These units test domestically developed technologies, including laser-based optical communication systems, while providing data on sea surface temperatures, coastal conditions, inland water health, agricultural changes, crop health, and coastal flood risks.
The project results from collaboration between the Greek government, OroraTech, and the European Space Agency, funded through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility. It represents the first national satellite constellation worldwide for dedicated wildfire monitoring.