Google’s First Satellite For Detecting Wildfires Now In Orbit

The first satellite in a new constellation designed to detect wildfires early and with high precision has successfully reached Earth’s orbit. This breakthrough could revolutionize how we respond to uncontrolled fires.

Named FireSat, this satellite constellation is part of a project aimed at providing real-time detection and tracking of wildfires anywhere on the planet. When fully operational, FireSat will consist of over 50 satellites. The initiative, led by the Earth Fire Alliance—a nonprofit organization including Google and the space startup Muon Space from Silicon Valley—marks a significant step forward in wildfire monitoring.

Enhanced Detection with High-Resolution and Frequent Updates

Unlike current satellite systems that use low-resolution images and can only scan an area once every 12 hours, FireSat will be capable of spotting wildfires as small as 270 sq ft (25 sq m)—about the size of a classroom. Additionally, it will provide high-resolution updates every 20 minutes, offering more timely and detailed information.

The FireSat project has been in development for less than 18 months, with the satellites equipped with specialized six-band multispectral infrared cameras. These cameras capture images that machine learning algorithms use to accurately identify wildfires, even distinguishing them from similar objects like smokestacks.

The system’s algorithms analyze an image from a specific location and compare it to the previous 1,000 captures to confirm whether it is a wildfire. Additionally, the AI embedded in FireSat can help predict how a fire may spread, providing crucial data to firefighters and enabling them to make more informed decisions on controlling the blaze.

Reducing the Impact of Wildfires on Communities and Ecosystems

This technology has the potential to significantly reduce the devastating effects of wildfires, which annually destroy forests, urban areas, and displace countless people.For instance, experts estimate that the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles in January caused over $250 billion in damages.

Muon Space is developing three more satellites, which they plan to launch next year. They expect the entire FireSat constellation to be fully operational by 2030.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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