Google’s FireSat constellation to detect early stage wildfires
Tech giant Google is developing a bespoke satellite constellation capable of detecting and tracking wildfires about the size of a school classroom.
Known as FireSat, the low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation will deliver high-resolution imagery that updates every 20 minutes. AI will then be used to process the images, providing near real-time information about the location, size and intensity of early-stage wildfires. Backed by $13m of Google funding, the collaborative project is set to launch the first satellite of the constellation in early 2025.
“FireSat is a programme that we started with satellite experts and a number of non-profits,” said Chris Van Arsdale, leader of Google Research’s Climate & Energy group.
“It will be a new constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, able to see the whole globe every fifteen to twenty minutes and spot a fire, both when it starts and for its full evolution.”
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