Google’s philanthropic arm has announced a $13 million investment in FireSat, a groundbreaking satellite constellation designed to detect and track wildfires globally.

This initiative, managed by the nonprofit Earth Fire Alliance, aims to deploy over 50 small satellites in low-Earth orbit, capable of identifying fires as small as 16 by 16 feet anywhere on the planet.

FireSat: A Pioneer in Space-Based Fire Detection

The FireSat constellation will be the first of its kind dedicated solely to wildfire detection. EFA stated, “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone and step towards transforming the way we interact with fire.”

The satellites, built by Muon Space, will feature six-band multispectral infrared instruments and utilize Google AI for rapid fire assessment. The system aims to provide global coverage with revisit times as short as nine minutes in high-risk areas.

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Private Space Ventures Take on Global Challenges

This project joins other privately funded space initiatives like MethaneSAT, reflecting a trend of increased accessibility to space technology. The lower costs of satellite manufacturing and launches, particularly through companies like SpaceX, have made such ventures more feasible for non-governmental entities.

“As fires become more intense, and spread faster, we believe radical collaboration is key to driving much-needed innovation in fire management and climate action,” EFA emphasized, highlighting the urgency of this technological advancement in the face of increasing wildfire threats.

Read more at Ars Technica