Muon Space, a California-based aerospace startup, has successfully captured its first thermal infrared images with its FireSat satellite. This achievement marks a significant step forward in wildfire detection technology, demonstrating the satellite's ability to detect and measure thermal signatures from space.
Launched on March 14, 2025, as part of SpaceX's Transporter-13 mission, FireSat utilizes a six-channel multispectral infrared instrument. The initial data revealed detailed thermal information from various locations, including urban heat islands, volcanic activity, and gas flares.
The FireSat sensor detects heat, providing temperature readings for each ground pixel. This allows for the identification of subtle temperature changes, active volcanoes, and, crucially, emerging wildfires. The project is a collaboration between the Earth Fire Alliance, Muon Space, and is supported by organizations like Google Research.
The project plans to launch three more satellites in 2026, aiming for a constellation of over 50 satellites by 2030. This constellation aims to observe every point on Earth at least twice daily, with wildfire-prone regions receiving more frequent coverage, potentially offering 20-minute revisit times globally.
This initiative aims to overcome limitations in current wildfire detection methods, providing crucial data for first responders, land management agencies, and researchers. As of June 26, 2025, FireSat continues to operate successfully, contributing valuable data for wildfire monitoring and research.