Muon Space has launched its FireSat satellite, the first in a planned constellation of over 50 satellites designed to scan the entire Earth every 20 minutes to detect wildfires using multi-band infrared sensors, aiming to improve wildfire response and mitigation.
Muon Space has released the first thermal infrared images from its FireSat satellite, demonstrating its capability to detect heat signatures from space, which will enhance wildfire detection and monitoring globally. The satellite, launched in March 2023, captures high-quality thermal data, with plans to expand the constellation to over 50 satellites by 2030 for more frequent Earth coverage, aiding first responders and researchers.
NASA has developed compact, high-resolution infrared cameras with advanced filters that can enhance wildfire warnings, study Earth's atmosphere, and analyze the molecular composition of other planets. These cameras, using strained-layer superlattice sensors, are lightweight and adaptable, making them suitable for various scientific missions. The technology has already proven successful in space and is being further developed for applications like pollution monitoring and fire observations.