OroraTech has announced the successful launch and deployment of the Hellenic Fire System, a dedicated wildfire monitoring satellite network developed for Greece.
The project marks the world’s first national satellite system designed exclusively for wildfire detection and tracking.
The four satellites were launched aboard a SpaceX mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Real time wildfire intelligence across Greece
Developed for the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, the Hellenic Space Center and the European Space Agency (ESA) the system delivers continuous, real time wildfire intelligence covering the entirety of Greek territory.
The platform is designed to support rapid wildfire detection and tracking nationwide.
The system includes four satellites equipped with advanced thermal infrared cameras, a ground station in Greece, and OroraTech’s Wildfire Solution platform integrated into national emergency service programmes.
Data is delivered directly to Greek fire services through the Ministry of Digital Governance, enabling near real time detection with latency measured in minutes and hotspot identification down to four by four metres.
Addressing increasing wildfire risk in Europe
The launch follows severe wildfire activity across Europe during 2025, described as the worst in more than 20 years.
Greece and the wider Mediterranean region experienced significant fire activity linked to rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions.
The Hellenic Fire System aims to address limitations in traditional monitoring methods, particularly during periods of rapid fire spread.
ESA supported national space project
The programme is being delivered under an ESA contract as part of the Greek National Satellite Space Project and forms part of the Greece 2.0 National Recovery and Resilience Plan funded through the European Union NextGenerationEU programme.
Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance & Artificial Intelligence, said: “Today marks a major step forward in strengthening Greece’s national resilience against wildfires.
“By integrating space-based capabilities into our emergency response systems, we are equipping our fire services with the tools they need to respond faster, act more effectively, and protect lives, property and the environment.”
Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at the ESA, said: “The deployment of this system demonstrates how European collaboration can deliver tangible impact for citizens.
“By combining advanced space technologies with operational services on the ground, we are enabling faster, more informed responses to natural disasters and strengthening Europe’s leadership in Earth observation.”
Martin Langer, CEO of OroraTech, said: “This is a defining moment not just for Greece, but also for how the world approaches wildfire management.
“For the first time, an entire country is protected by a dedicated satellite constellation built to detect and track wildfires in real time. This is the blueprint for how nations can use space technology to safeguard their people, ecosystems, and economies.”
