Satellite launch starts a new attempt to check forest fires from space

A mission supported by Google to detect forest fires from space launched a prototypes satellite last week, which now communicates with his developers on Earth.

“The devastating forest fires in Los Angeles earlier this year underline the urgent need for real-time, high-fidelity infrared data to protect lives, communities, ecosystems and economies,” said Brian Collins, executive director of the Alliance, yesterday in one press release.

As soon as it is fully active, Firesat could give people much earlier warning than existing technology in the past has allowed. The Firesat constellation is expected to be able to detect burn to 5 x 5 meters (the size of a classroom). Earlier satellites could not see burning until they had grown to two to three hectares in size (the size of two football fields), according to Google. To get a higher resolution, Firesat developers created custom sensors and algorithms to reduce the data using AI.

People and planes often mark wildfires before satellites do, but satellites can play a crucial role when it comes to monitoring more rural areas. And have forest fires Become more widespread As climate change creates more hot and dry conditions in parts of the world Including CaliforniaWhere Google has its head office.

The first Firesat launch took place on March 14 in Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Three more satellites are planned to launch in 2026. Together they can check each point on earth at least twice a day. “Important Natural Brand Regions” will be checked more often, According to Muon Space. The entire zodiac sign of more than 50 satellites is planned to become fully operational in 2030, and offers at least every 20 minutes updates.