Rocket Lab’s 63rd Electron launch carrying eight OroraTech satellites. Photo: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab successfully launched eight wildfire detection satellites for OroraTech on its Electron rocket into Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) on Wednesday. 

The mission, named “Finding Hot Wildfires Near You,” launched on March 26 at 11:31 a.m. EST from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. Local time was 4:30 NZDT on March 27. 

The eight LEMUR satellites, built by Spire Global, are equipped with OroraTech’s thermal imaging cameras and wildfire detection technology. Spire has built and launched 12 satellites for OroraTech since 2021.

Based in Germany, OroraTech utilizes its orbital network of thermal sensors to provide wildfire detection and management services to commercial forest companies, public fire departments, and conservation areas across six continents worldwide.

“This is a new era of combating wildfires,” said Dr. Martin Langer, OroraTech’s CEO. “We are fulfilling our mission to provide heroes on the ground with the insights they need to save lives, land, and property. By filling this gap, we are providing information that the firefighting community has been requesting for decades.”

This launch marks Rocket Lab’s fifth mission of 2025 and its 63rd Electron launch. The total number of satellites delivered to space by Electron is now 224. This was OroraTech’s first launch with Rocket Lab, which was contracted in January. 

Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said: “This launch is another showcase of the qualities of Electron and the Rocket Lab team: a quick and streamlined turnaround to get this important mission in space, precise deployment for optimal global wildfire monitoring, and responsive service that perfectly meets customer requirements.”