Canada invests $72M in system that will monitor wildfires from space

The Government of Canada says it is investing millions of dollars to build a satellite constellation that will monitor wildfires across the country.

Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, made the announcement Friday morning.

A $72 million contract has been awarded to Spire Global Canada to design the future WildFire Sat constellation, the federal government said in a news release.

The goal is to have the system launched in 2029.

According to the federal government, WildFireSat is expected to save between $1 billion and $5 billion over its first five years of operations.

The system will be made up of seven micro-satellites that will monitor active wildfires across the country on a daily basis.

WildFireSat will use advanced infrared sensors to capture thermal images that can be used to provide information about the wildfires to the appropriate authorities to help with decision making.

The system will also be used in air quality forecasts.

“WildFireSat will provide firefighters across the country with better data to help defend and protect Canadians, reduce environmental and economic losses, and improve forecasting to allow residents and local officials to take precautions,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

“The WildFireSat mission will also reinforce Canada's position as a global leader in wildfire management and research."