Ororatech, a Spin-off of the Space Chair the TUM, aims to detect and monitor forest fires worldwide using its combination of satellites and infrared sensors.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
Ororatech is developing a constellation of nanosatellites with infrared sensors that will detect and monitor forest fires worldwide from Earth's orbit. Our data can also be used to research climate change and optimize weather forecasts. We are a spin-off from the TUM's Chair of Aerospace Engineering, founded by four passionate entrepreneurs:
- Thomas Grübler, 27, electrical engineering
- Björn Stoffers, 34, Economics
- Florian Mauracher, 28, Computer Science
- Rupert Amann, 25, electrical engineering
100 small satellites
2. But that's been around for a long time!
Satellites? Yes. Infrared sensors? Absolutely. What makes us special is the combination of small, highly cost-effective satellites, operating in large numbers (100) in various low-altitude orbits, covering every point on Earth within 30 minutes at the most. This creates a highly up-to-date dataset with high resolution in the infrared spectrum, which is unique worldwide.
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
The beginning! Building satellites costs a lot of money and is only possible with funding and private investors who believe in us. We worked on the project for 1.5 years in our free time alongside our jobs and studies before founding the company. Most founders probably feel the same way; especially in the early years, free time is usually scarce. Weekend and night shifts can sometimes be nerve-racking. That's why we're really proud to have made it.
The Ororatech team is growing
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
Excellent! Within ten months, we've grown into an international team of over 20 space enthusiasts and are currently developing our prototype, which will be launched into space in 2020. We won't generate revenue until several satellites are in space, but thanks to the fantastic support from DLR and ESA, TUM, and our investors, we're very well positioned. Demand from pilot customers is also tremendous; we frequently hear, "When can we get your data?"
5. What does Munich mean to you?
Munich offers the perfect combination of young, international flair and top-class research. The city is a magnet for talented developers and engineers. Of course, we still attend the Oktoberfest every year, and many of us go on bike rides or hikes with a panoramic view of the Alps. Munich is simply a great place to work and relax.
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
Presenting at Epic Fail Night would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, at the moment, it's looking more like Unicorn.
7. Bavaria or '60?
A quick poll in the office revealed exactly 50/50. One colleague loudly shouted, "Unterhaching!"
