Can satellites spot wildfires before they grow out of control?
Aerial image of a controlled burn. | Image: Google
A Google-backed initiative aims to prevent raging infernos by using satellites that can detect small fires before they grow out of control.
The goal is to launch a constellation of satellites called FireSat into low Earth orbit. It’s a collaboration between a newly founded nonprofit coalition called Earth Fire Alliance and the startup Muon Space, which designs and operates satellite networks. Google.org is funding the project, and Google’s research team is also helping to develop the technology to spot wildfires and monitor their growth from space.
“There is a significant gap between the data we have available today and what we could have with better satellite coverage.”Climate change is setting the stage for more monstrous wildfires...