Muon Space has released the first images from its upcoming satellite constellation that will be able to scan the Earth’s surface every 20 minutes to find incidences of wildfires.
The Google-backed project sent its first prototype ‘FireSat’ into orbit on 14 March aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission.
The satellite is equipped with a six-channel multispectral infrared (IR) instrument designed to be able to detect and monitor thermal activity happening on the Earth’s surface. The first images sent back were able to identify distinct vegetation, moisture and heat sources including urban heat islands, active airport runways and water temperature variations.
Muon Space said the images demonstrate the technology’s ability to distinguish between different thermal signatures across large areas.
Wildfires are becoming increasingly common due to hotter and drier climates around the world. But at the moment firefighters have to rely on satellite imagery that is either low resolution or only updated...