Spire Global and OroraTech are partnering to deploy a fleet of much needed wildfire monitoring satellites in 2024:

The satellites will not just monitor active wildfires; according to a press release, they will also identify areas at risk of wildfires, areas that OroraTech says are increasing due to climate change. Insights collected will benefit not only first responders but also the insurance and energy sectors

The partnership is one example of Spire’s “space-as-a-service” subscription model, which essentially lets participating organizations quickly operate payload in space using Spire’s existing services and spacecraft.

In a statement, Dr. Axel Roenneke, OroraTech’s chief commercial officer, said the subscription service was “invaluable” in helping the company rapidly reach space. No doubt it makes a lot of sense for other startups who may not have the capital — or the business interest — in building out their own spacecraft, operations and ground infrastructure.