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Greece Launches the World's First National Wildfire Satellite System

In The News

07.08.2026

Eirini Notara

Greece is taking an important step in environmental protection, becoming the first country in the world to deploy a national satellite system for wildfire detection and monitoring. First launched in May and expected to become fully operational in September 2026, the new Hellenic Fire System brings advanced space technology to Greece's efforts against wildfires.

Developed through a collaboration between the Hellenic Space Centre and German space technology company OroraTech, the new Hellenic Fire System has already begun transmitting data to Greek authorities during its testing phase, while firefighters are currently being trained to integrate the system into their daily operations.

How the Hellenic Fire System Works

The system consists of four small satellites orbiting the Earth, each equipped with advanced thermal sensors designed specifically for wildfire detection. Unlike traditional satellites that capture standard images of the Earth's surface, these satellites identify heat. This allows them to detect both active fires and smaller hotspots that could become larger, even in areas where smoke makes visibility difficult. Once the satellites detect heat, specialized software analyses the information to determine whether it is likely to be a genuine wildfire or a false alarm. It also considers factors such as terrain and fire intensity to estimate how the fire may spread, providing emergency services with valuable information before crews reach the scene.

What Does This Mean for Wildfire Management

Up until now, one of the biggest challenges for emergency services has been identifying fires quickly enough to prevent them from growing. Satellite monitoring has helped, but most systems were not made specifically for wildfire detection. The Hellenic Fire System is designed to overcome this limitation, by alerting authorities automatically once unusual heat is detected and providing firefighters with valuable time to assess the situation and deploy resources before a fire grows out of control.

This technology is particularly valuable in remote parts of the country, where fires can burn undetected for longer periods. As Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece's Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, explains, "A fire in an urban area is usually spotted quickly by residents, who can see the smoke and alert the authorities. But a fire in a national park or a remote location can be detected much faster by these satellites, thanks to their thermal cameras, which are able to identify heat sources before they become major incidents."

Another important advantage is the frequency with which the satellites can monitor Greece. Because they operate as a coordinated group, one satellite follows another as they pass overhead, allowing high-risk areas to be observed much more often. This gives authorities greater flexibility to monitor regions where wildfire risk is highest, particularly during periods of extreme weather.

According to Martin Langer, CEO of OroraTech, the project represents a defining moment not just for Greece, but for wildfire detection in general: “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”.

With the Hellenic Fire System set to become fully operational this autumn, Greece is taking an important step in its approach to wildfire prevention and response. By putting advanced satellite technology in the hands of its emergency services, the country is strengthening its ability to protect its forests, communities, and landscapes.

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