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Google is using the power of AI on satellites to detect wildfires in vulnerable areas before they cause devastation and losses of millions to people.
Google thought of using drones but satellites have become cheaper to deploy in 2025
Google is using the power of AI to help countries tackle the growing wildfire issue by helping them with early warning about possible events. The company is doing this with the help of FireSat satellites that were recently launched into space via the SpaceX launch vehicle.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has even thanked the Elon Musk-owned company for its efforts and talked about the new program that will help in detecting wildfires using the AI tech on board the satellites.
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 5×5 meters, using AI. Huge thanks to partners @MuonSpace @EarthFireAll… pic.twitter.com/QlaNHXOssD— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) March 17, 2025
Google FireSat AI Satellite: What It Is And How It Works
FireSat AI satellite relies on the technology to detect possible wildfires from space. Google has built the constellation of satellites with the help of the Earth Fire Alliance, the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation and Muon Space.
The FireSat launch via SpaceX vehicle this month promises to detect wildfires early and alert the agencies within 20 minutes. Google.org has supported the initiative and the launch of FireSat constellation by offering $13 million.
Google is putting its advanced AI tech to good use for the new detection feature, using imagery of the location from previous events, and also taking help of the weather conditions to develop a pattern for the fire incidents in a region. The company had thought about using high-altitude drones for its detection support but the drastic drop in price of satellites and the right partner convinced Google to take the space route for its project.
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