A satellite prototype aimed at detecting wildfires from space, backed by Google, was successfully launched last week and is now in communication with developers on the ground.
This satellite is the first of a planned fleet of at least 50 satellites that will form the FireSat constellation. The initiative is spearheaded by the nonprofit group Earth Fire Alliance, in collaboration with the startup Muon Space, which specializes in satellite network design and operation. Google.org provided $13 million in funding and offered technical expertise from its research team.
Brian Collins, executive director of the Earth Fire Alliance, highlighted the urgent need for advanced technology in fire detection, stating, “The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year underscore the urgent need for real-time, high-fidelity infrared data to protect lives, communities, ecosystems, and economies,” in a press release.
“The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year underscore the urgent need for real-time, high-fidelity infrared data”
Once fully operational, FireSat is anticipated to provide earlier warnings of wildfires compared to existing detection technologies. The satellites in the constellation will be capable of identifying fires as small as 5 by 5 meters—approximately the size of a classroom—whereas prior systems typically required fires to grow to two to three acres before detection, or the size of two football fields. This enhancement is due to the development of custom sensors and AI-driven algorithms for data processing.
Although human and aerial observations often alert to wildfires ahead of satellites, the latter are crucial for monitoring remote areas. The incidence of wildfires has surged in recent years, driven by climate change leading to hotter and drier conditions globally, including in regions such as California, where Google is located according to data.
The inaugural FireSat launch occurred at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 14th. Three additional satellites are set to launch in 2026, and collectively, these satellites will monitor every location on Earth at least twice daily. “Key wildfire-prone regions” will receive enhanced monitoring frequency, according to information from Muon Space. The entire network of over 50 satellites is projected to become fully functional by 2030, offering updates every 20 minutes.
