Home / Science / New Satellite Network Detects Fires From Space
New Satellite Network Detects Fires From Space
2 Oct
Summary
- Satellites detect small, cool ignitions from space before they escalate.
- FireSat constellation aims to image every point on Earth every 20 minutes.
- The system can spot tiny fires measuring just 16 by 16 feet.
The Earth Fire Alliance has developed the FireSat constellation, a network of satellites specifically designed for early wildfire detection. Launched in July 2026, this initiative aims to provide near real-time data to combat escalating wildfire dangers worldwide.
FireSat employs advanced sensors to detect thermal radiation, allowing it to spot fires as small as 16 by 16 feet. This capability surpasses current methods that often detect fires only after they have grown significantly.
Supported by organizations like the Bezos Earth Fund and Google, and built by Muon Space, FireSat plans to deploy 50 satellites. The goal is to image every location on Earth every 20 minutes.
Recent operations have demonstrated FireSat's effectiveness, including detecting a small roadside fire in Oregon that other systems missed. The system also tracked the large Big Grass Fire along the Oregon-Idaho border.
Future plans include expanding data availability for research by next year and integrating FireSat data into active firefighting workflows. Partnerships, including one with SpaceX for Starlink integration, aim to enable real-time data streaming.
