Wildfires pose a growing threat to ecosystems and communities, yet current satellite imagery for firefighting is limited by low resolution and infrequent updates, making it difficult to detect smaller fires early. To address this challenge, Google Research has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to develop FireSat, a groundbreaking satellite constellation purpose-built for wildfire detection and tracking.

FireSat will provide high-resolution global imagery updated every 20 minutes, enabling detection of fires as small as a classroom—400 times smaller than what current satellites can identify. This real-time data will empower emergency responders with critical information to act quickly, while also supporting researchers with insights into fire propagation and risk analysis.

This project builds on over a decade of Google Research’s work in AI-based wildfire detection and ecological intervention. By combining advanced imaging technology with AI models optimized for precision, FireSat will transform wildfire monitoring and management. The first satellite is set to launch in early 2025, marking a new era in combating wildfires with cutting-edge technology.

Learn more at g.co/research/wildfires.