NASA wants to use satellite technology to prevent wildfires from spreading. And they’re partnering with a publicly listed company to conduct a new experimental study to do it.

‍What’s happening:‍

• Spire Global (NASDAQ: SPIR) has landed a contract from NASA for a new concept study to develop space based capabilities for early detection of wildfires in the United States of America
  

The big idea:‍

• Spire Global will collaborate with space based thermal intelligence company OroraTech to design new technology for detecting wildfires earlier than is currently possible
  
• Spire Global and OroraTech will focus on delivering near real-time satellite data to first responders who are located nearby where wildfires are beginning to break out or may soon start based on imaging technology
  

Why it matters:‍

• Satellite technology has been aggressively ramping up in the public markets, with new deals being formed around everything from military operations to wireless connectivity
  

Going deeper:‍

• Spire Global was previously awarded a similar deal from the Canadian Space Agency to leverage satellite technology to monitor all actives wildfires in Canada from space
  
• This is not the first major government backed deal that OroraTech has been a part of either, previously winning a large funding award from the government of Greece to monitor wildfires across the country

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