Satellite networks launch to detect wildfires earlier from space

Three satellites in the Google-backed FireSat constellation launched on July 7, 2026, marking a step toward faster wildfire detection from space Source: arstechnica. As smoke from hundreds of fires blankets North America, this launch represents the first purpose-built satellite constellation for wildfire detection, capable of spotting fires as small as 5x5 meters. Meanwhile, other efforts are underway globally.

Complementary systems

Greece has deployed four thermal-imaging satellites, built by OroraTech, to predict and monitor fires, with access to about 20 more OroraTech satellites Source: aljazeera. The Hellenic Space Center uses these to see through smoke and plan overnight firefighting. OroraTech itself, a Munich startup, operates numerous thermal infrared satellites to fill the 'afternoon gap' when conventional NASA and ESA satellites are not imaging Source: dwnews.

Coverage and future

FireSat will initially cover the United States, Australia, and Europe, with hourly global coverage targeted by 2029 and 20-minute revisit times by the early 2030s Source: arstechnica. Greece plans to launch seven additional multispectral satellites this year Source: aljazeera. These systems aim to complement existing free data from NASA's FIRMS and the European EFFIS, but with higher resolution and faster revisit rates Source: dwnews.