Greece puts first wildfire-tracking satellites into orbit

Greece has successfully launched four thermal satellites into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, representing an important milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance wildfire surveillance and climate resilience.

The satellites are part of the National Micro-Satellite Program and constitute the country’s first purpose-built constellation for wildfire detection and monitoring, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ekathimerini.

Developed by OroraTech, the system is intended to deliver near real-time information to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and emergency response.

Outfitted with high-sensitivity thermal imaging instruments, the satellites will be capable of identifying fire outbreaks at an early stage, tracking their development, and producing detailed assessments of impacted regions.

The collected data will be sent to a centralised processing platform used by public authorities, enabling coordinated operational response.

In addition to wildfire detection, the satellites will also observe sea surface temperatures, coastal environments, and inland waters, alongside mapping land use across agricultural, forested, and urban areas.

Officials say the expanded dataset will support policymaking in environmental protection, water resource management, and climate adaptation.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov