Google Launches AI-Powered FireSat Satellite To Enhance Wildfire Detection
Google has launched FireSat, the first satellite in a constellation of 50+ satellites designed to detect and track wildfires using AI. FireSat aims to provide high-resolution imagery every 20 minutes.
Google has launched the first satellite in its FireSat constellation, designed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and track wildfires as small as five by five metres. The satellite, which made contact with Earth following its launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission, is the first of over 50 planned satellites in the initiative.
FireSat aims to transform wildfire management by providing high-resolution imagery updated every 20 minutes globally, significantly improving upon existing low-resolution satellite data that is refreshed only a few times a day.
The project is a collaboration between Google Research, Muon Space, Earth Fire Alliance, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, wildfire authorities, and other partners. Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, has contributed $13 million to the AI Collaborative: Wildfires initiative to support the constellation’s development, as per a Google blog.
Confirming the launch, Google CEO Sundar Pichai wrote on X, “We have liftoff! After a successful launch this weekend, the first FireSat satellite is now orbiting Earth 🛰️ It’s the first of a 50+ satellite constellation that will help detect + track wildfires as small as 5x5 meters, using AI. Huge thanks to partners @MuonSpace @EarthFireAll @MooreFound, and special thanks to @SpaceX for the ride!”
We have liftoff! After a successful launch this weekend, the first FireSat satellite is now orbiting Earth 🛰️ It’s the first of a 50+ satellite constellation that will help detect + track wildfires as small as 5x5 meters, using AI. Huge thanks to partners @MuonSpace @EarthFireAll… pic.twitter.com/QlaNHXOssD
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) March 17, 2025
In a blog, Juliet Rothenberg, Product Director of Climate AI at Google Research, who played a key role in the FireSat project, recalled her experience of evacuating during a California wildfire four years ago. “After we evacuated, we constantly stared at satellite imagery to see whether the fire had crossed the road because if it had, we knew our community would burn,” she said. However, she noted that real-time updates were unavailable, as satellite imagery was refreshed only every 12 hours.
FireSat Constellation To Enable Early Detection And Tracking Of Wildfires
The FireSat constellation is expected to address such gaps by enabling early detection and tracking of wildfires before they grow uncontrollable. Co-founder Chris Van Arsdale, who focuses on climate and energy projects at Google, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “We knew we really needed to get a handle on CO2 mitigation for wildfires,” he said, explaining how wildfires contribute to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide, further exacerbating rising global temperatures.
The AI-powered satellite system builds upon previous wildfire response tools introduced by Google in 2020, which utilise AI and satellite imagery to create wildfire boundary maps. These maps are integrated with Google Search and Maps to provide real-time information to users and emergency responders.
Chris explained the limitations of existing wildfire detection methods, noting that while some satellites capture images every five minutes, their resolution is insufficient to detect fires at an early stage. “You’re lucky if you can see the city of San Francisco in the image. You’re certainly not going to see where a fire is until it’s a few acres in size,” he said.
The FireSat project evolved through extensive testing, including experiments using high-altitude drones and AI models trained to differentiate between wildfires and other heat sources. Erica, a project manager for FireSat, recalled an early test where a team member lit a barbeque and firepit in his backyard. “We flew the plane over and tested it, and the sensors were able to pick it up,” she said.
FireSat A Tool To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Climate Change: Product Director of Climate AI
The first FireSat satellite arrived at the SpaceX launch site recently, and Google Research team members gathered to witness its launch.
Beyond aiding emergency response, FireSat aims to contribute to wildfire science by building a historical dataset on fire spread. “FireSat is more than just an emergency response tool,” Juliet remarked. “It’s also an incredible tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s actually really beautiful that the constellation contributes to reducing climate change—while also responding to it.”
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