as wildfires continue to ravage regions like Los angeles, with firefighters working tirelessly to control the remaining hotspots, scientists and engineers are turning to cutting-edge satellite technology for future solutions. The increasing accessibility of satellite data, combined with advancements in machine learning, promises to revolutionize how we predict, monitor, and manage wildfires in an ever-changing climate.
Clement Albergel, head of actionable climate information at the European Space Agency, emphasizes the capabilities of satellites: “They can detect from space areas that are dry and prone to wildfire outbreaks… actively flaming and smoldering fires, as well as burnt areas and smoke and trace gas emissions. We can learn from all these types of elements.”
Satellites operate in varying orbits, each serving unique purposes. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, positioned less than 1,000 kilometers above Earth, capture high-resolution images of the ground. However, their fleeting view of any specific point limits their continuous monitoring capabilities.In contrast, geostationary satellites, orbiting at approximately 36,000 kilometers, remain fixed over one area, enabling uninterrupted observation—though often at a lower resolution.
This difference in resolution is critical as wildfires increasingly threaten populated areas due to climate change.Natasha Stavros, a wildfire expert, notes the challenges: “There are satellite observations, but it’s very hard to determine—is it my house that’s on fire? Where exactly is this?” She adds, “Some people stay as they don’t really understand… that’s where the idea that we need more observations available comes from.”
Brian Collins, director of the Earth Fire Alliance, is spearheading an ambitious project to launch a constellation of low-orbit satellites. These satellites will feature sensors with a resolution of five meters, significantly finer than the current 10-meter capability of ESA’s Sentinel-2 satellites. “we’re going to learn very quickly that there is more fire on the Earth than we know about today, we’re going to find very small fires,” Collins predicts.
The Earth Fire Alliance aims to deploy it’s first four satellites by the end of 2026, with a total cost of $53 million. Genevieve Biggs of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, a key supporter of the project, calls this investment a “drop in the bucket” compared to the devastating losses caused by wildfires. Ultimately, a full constellation of 55 satellites, costing $400 million, would enable imaging every point on Earth at least once every 20 minutes. Collins believes this will allow for “both detecting and tracking fires… at a cadence that lets decisions to be made on the ground.”
Smaller-scale initiatives are also making waves. Germany’s OroraTech recently launched the first of 14 FOREST-3 nanosatellites, designed to provide “ultra-fast wildfire alerts and high-quality thermal data,” according to CEO Martin Langer. Meanwhile, the Moore Foundation is backing the FUEGO project, which focuses on geostationary satellites for wildfire monitoring.
While the influx of satellite data is a game-changer, managing this vast amount of information poses its own challenges. ESA’s Sentinel-2 satellite alone generates one terabyte of data daily—equivalent to the storage capacity of a high-end laptop. Collins describes the task of identifying fire signs in such datasets as “an excellent machine learning, artificial intelligence problem… the ‘needle in the haystack.'”
Looking ahead, there is no single solution to wildfire management.Stavros emphasizes, “It’s all of them working together” that will empower emergency responders and reduce fire risks. Beyond technological advancements, efforts must also focus on building resilient communities and managing fire-prone ecosystems. As Briggs explains, this includes “increasing ecologically beneficial fire while decreasing detrimental fire.”
The integration of satellite technology, artificial intelligence, and community resilience efforts marks a new era in wildfire management—one that holds the promise of saving lives, protecting property, and preserving ecosystems for generations to come.
What are the benefits of using both LEO and geostationary satellites for wildfire monitoring?
Interview wiht Natasha Sterling, Wildfire Technology Specialist and Climate Scientist
Archyde News: Natasha, thank you for joining us today. As wildfires continue to devastate regions like Los Angeles, the role of technology in combating these disasters has become increasingly critical. Can you tell us how satellite technology is transforming wildfire management?
Natasha Sterling: Thank you for having me. Satellite technology is indeed a game-changer in wildfire management. With the increasing accessibility of satellite data and advancements in machine learning, we’re now able to predict, monitor, and respond to wildfires more effectively then ever before. Satellites provide a wealth of information, from detecting dry, fire-prone areas to actively flaming fires, smoldering hotspots, and even smoke and trace gas emissions. This data is invaluable for understanding the dynamics of wildfires and improving our response strategies.
Archyde News: Clement Albergel from the European Space Agency mentioned that satellites can detect various elements of wildfires. Could you elaborate on how this data is used in real-time scenarios?
Natasha Sterling: Absolutely. The data collected by satellites is processed and analyzed using advanced algorithms and machine learning models. For instance, when a satellite detects a dry area with high fire risk, this information is relayed to ground teams, who can then implement preventive measures like controlled burns or increased patrols. During an active wildfire, real-time satellite imagery helps firefighters identify the fire’s spread, intensity, and direction, allowing for more strategic deployment of resources. Post-fire,satellite data helps assess the extent of damage and plan recovery efforts.
Archyde News: You mentioned different types of satellite orbits—Low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary. How do these differ in their contributions to wildfire monitoring?
Natasha Sterling: Great question. LEO satellites, which orbit less than 1,000 kilometers above Earth, provide high-resolution images that are incredibly detailed. However, because they move quickly, their coverage of any specific area is limited to brief windows. This makes them ideal for capturing snapshots of fire activity but less effective for continuous monitoring. On the other hand, geostationary satellites, positioned about 36,000 kilometers above Earth, remain fixed over one area, providing constant surveillance. While their resolution is lower, their ability to monitor a region 24/7 is crucial for tracking the progression of wildfires in real-time.
Archyde News: With climate change exacerbating wildfire risks, how do you see satellite technology evolving to meet these challenges?
Natasha Sterling: Climate change is undeniably increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires, making the need for advanced monitoring systems more urgent. In the future, we can expect even more sophisticated satellite constellations, combining the high-resolution capabilities of LEO satellites with the continuous coverage of geostationary systems. additionally, advancements in AI and machine learning will enable faster and more accurate analysis of satellite data, allowing us to predict fire outbreaks with greater precision and respond more effectively.Collaboration between space agencies, governments, and private companies will also be key to ensuring these technologies are accessible and utilized globally.
Archyde News: what message would you like to share with our readers about the importance of investing in wildfire technology?
Natasha Sterling: Wildfires are not just a local issue—they have global implications for ecosystems, economies, and public health. Investing in satellite technology and other innovative solutions is essential for building resilience against these disasters. By leveraging the power of data and technology, we can better protect our communities, preserve our surroundings, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. It’s a collective effort, and every step we take toward advancing these technologies brings us closer to a safer, more enduring future.
Archyde News: Thank you, Natasha, for your insights and for shedding light on this critical topic. We look forward to seeing how these technologies continue to evolve and make a difference.
Natasha Sterling: Thank you. it’s been a pleasure discussing this crucial issue with you.
