Google’s FireSat Launched to Detect Wildfires with AI

FireSat: The AI Satellite Launched to Track Wildfires

The first satellite for the FireSat constellation has been successfully launched, marking the beginning of a network designed to track wildfires using AI. More than 50 satellites are planned, each capable of detecting fires as small as a classroom (5x5 meters). The launch took place at California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard a SpaceX rocket.

Currently, wildfire detection depends on satellite images that are updated only a few times per day. With FireSat, high-resolution images will be provided every 20 minutes. This improvement will allow emergency responders to act before wildfires spread further.

A collaboration between Google Research, Muon Space, Earth Fire Alliance, and other partners has made this mission possible. A $13 million contribution from Google.org has supported the launch as part of its AI Collaborative: Wildfires initiative. The goal is to minimize wildfire damage through AI-driven detection.

Why FireSat Matters

The importance of FireSat has been emphasized by Juliet Rothenberg, Product Director at Google Research. Four years ago, her home had to be evacuated due to a wildfire in California. During that time, she and her neighbors relied on satellite images to track the fire’s progress. However, updates were available only every 12 hours, creating uncertainty.

Wildfires continue to pose a threat worldwide, particularly in Australia and the U.S. Many fires remain undetected due to outdated and low-resolution data. FireSat has been developed to address this issue, ensuring real-time, high-quality data reaches firefighters and emergency teams.

How FireSat Works

AI-powered analysis is being used by FireSat to detect new fires by comparing satellite images over time. Environmental factors, including weather conditions and nearby infrastructure, are considered to confirm fire activity. The system has been designed to differentiate real fires from sensor errors.

Before deployment, FireSat technology was tested using airborne sensors. Small fires, including backyard barbeques, were tracked to refine detection accuracy. With the first satellite now in orbit, wildfire detection is expected to improve further as additional satellites are launched.

A Step Toward Safer Communities

With the data collected by FireSat, scientists will be able to analyze wildfire behavior and study how fires spread. Climate research will also benefit, as wildfires release carbon dioxide and contribute to climate change.

By combining AI-powered detection, real-time data, and global monitoring, FireSat is set to revolutionize wildfire management. As the network expands, faster and more precise wildfire detection will become possible, ensuring safer communities worldwide.

📌Source : Google Blog