Mission Background

Forest Observation and Recognition Experimental Smallsat Thermal Detector (FOREST-2) is the second wildfire-monitoring satellite developed by Munich-based OroraTech, a German aerospace and data analytics company focused on environmental intelligence.

The mission builds on the success of FOREST-1, OroraTech's first experimental satellite launched in January 2022, which validated the company's thermal infrared sensor and onboard fire detection algorithms in orbit. FOREST-1 demonstrated that space-based CubeSats could play a crucial role in identifying and tracking wildfires in real time.

Satellite Design

The FOREST-2 satellite is built on a 6U CubeSat platform, provided by Spire Global as part of a strategic partnership with OroraTech, while the MWIR/LWIR thermal dual-camera payload was designed and developed by OroraTech.

Attitude control is managed via a three-axis stabilisation system, to enable precise pointing of the thermal infrared payload - a critical requirement for accurate wildfire detection.

Mission Operations

FOREST-2 was launched on 12 June 2023 onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, and operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at an altitude of approximately 540 km.

Related Links

• OroraTech Website*
• FOREST Constellation on the eoPortal*

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