The first satellite in the FireSat constellation, designed to detect wildfires early and precisely anywhere on the planet, has reached Earth’s orbit. This initiative, launched by the nonprofit Earth Fire Alliance, aims to revolutionize how we tackle unplanned fires. The FireSat system consists of more than 50 satellites, each equipped with custom cameras that can detect wildfires as small as 270 sq ft.
Google and Muon Space are among the partners behind this project. Current satellite systems rely on low-resolution imagery, covering an area only once every 12 hours. In contrast, FireSat will deliver high-resolution updates every 20 minutes, using machine learning algorithms to accurately identify wildfires.
The system also predicts fire spread, helping firefighters make informed decisions about controlling flames safely and effectively. The entire constellation is expected to be in orbit by 2030, with three more satellites launching next year.
Source: https://newatlas.com/environment/google-firesat-satellite-wildfires-orbit