Latest news with #FireSatProtoflight
Indian Express
a day ago
- Science
- Indian Express
This satellite scans entire Earth every 20 mins, reports wildfires
Just over three months after US-based aerospace start-up Muon Space launched its FireSat Protoflight satellite, the end-to-end space systems provider has shared the first images taken by the spacecraft. This spacecraft, launched on SpaceX's Transporter-13 mission in March, was a collaboration between Muon, and Earth Fire Alliance, a non-profit organisation aiming to gather real-time data from all fires on Earth. 'These first light images confirm that our IR sensors are operating as designed and collecting high-quality data,' said Dan McCleese, chief scientist of Muon Space in a press release. The FireSat Protoflight satellite is the first of a proposed 50 satellites that Muon aims to launch, which they aim to use to track wildfires on Earth. The first few images taken by the FireSat Protoflight have been from a low-Earth orbit, using a multi-band infrared (IR) instrument. This then scanned for heat signatures, which could indicate the presence of wildfires. Using a precise high-dynamic range (HDR) six-channel multispectral IR instrument, the satellites are capable of multispectral imaging across the visible, near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR) bands simultaneously. Each band takes up a channel, and the channels are used together to derive further information. The instrument is built by Muon Space itself. The satellites are able to scan areas of over 1,500 kilometres at a time, and identify fires as small as five-by-five meters in that range. They are also able to make a distinction between false positive fires and actual wildfire threats. The above image depicts FireSat Protoflight detecting thermal signatures at Libya's Sarir oil field complex, which are likely gas flares rather than a wildfire risk. The satellite's channels observing MWIR and LWIR identify the same heat sources, indicating the effectiveness of the multi-channel approach in data collection and allowing FireSat to differentiate different types of heat sources and confirm detections. Once relevant data is acquired, it is sent out to first responders, policymakers, and communities facing escalating wildfire threats. This is a crucial advancement in space-based wildfire monitoring, providing accurate and relevant information to governments and concerned citizens alike. Muon is set to launch the first block of three further FireSat satellites in 2026, and aims for the FireSat constellation to be at capacity and fully operational by 2030. The constellation is set to have global coverage, and will scan the entirety of Earth for wildfires every twenty minutes. Wildfire-prone areas would be scanned even more often, to further reduce the threat. (This article has been curated by Purv Ashar, who is an intern with The Indian Express)
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Muon Space Deploys FireSat Protoflight, Marking a Major Milestone in Global Wildfire Monitoring
Initial FireSat satellite is healthy, paving the way for improved real-time wildfire intelligence and future constellation expansion MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Muon Space, an end-to-end space systems provider, has successfully launched the FireSat Protoflight satellite, marking a significant milestone in the deployment of the FireSat constellation. This groundbreaking initiative aims to transform global wildfire detection, monitoring, and response. Designed and built by Muon Space—including its state-of-the-art six-channel multispectral infrared (IR) instrument—FireSat showcases the company's expertise in delivering fully integrated, mission-tailored satellite systems from concept to operation. Launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter 13 rideshare mission on March 14 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Muon Space has successfully established communications with the satellite and confirmed its operational health. "The FireSat mission exemplifies Muon Space's ability to rapidly design, build, and deploy high-performance remote sensing systems tailored to address complex, real-world challenges," said Jonny Dyer, CEO of Muon Space. "FireSat is just the beginning—we are demonstrating how purpose-built constellations can deliver transformative solutions at the speed our customers and partners require." Announced in May 2024, the FireSat Constellation is a collaboration between Muon Space and Earth Fire Alliance, combining Muon's expertise in space-based remote sensing with the Alliance's deep knowledge of wildfire management and response strategies. This partnership aims to enhance global wildfire response, management, and situational awareness by providing actionable data to first responders, policymakers, and communities facing escalating wildfire threats. Working closely with hundreds of members of the federal, state, and local fire communities, Muon Space developed the FireSat system and delivered its first satellite to orbit in just 16 months. The initiative has been supported by leading NGOs and philanthropic organizations, including Environmental Defense Fund, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and others. "Designing and building an advanced infrared instrument capable of detecting wildfires with high confidence required significant scientific and engineering innovation," said Dan McCleese, Chief Scientist of Muon Space. "This achievement underscores Muon Space's ability to push the boundaries of space-based observation, advancing not only wildfire intelligence but also a broad range of critical operational, scientific, and security applications." The planned 50+-satellite constellation will eventually provide global coverage with each point on Earth observed every 20 minutes with key wildfire-prone regions benefiting from more frequent observations. "FireSat is a game-changer for wildfire response," said Brian Collins, Executive Director of Earth Fire Alliance. "For too long, decision-makers have relied on outdated or incomplete fire data. FireSat is poised to provide persistent, high-fidelity, and detailed information that will empower end users to save more lives and structures, better protect ecosystems, and reduce economic losses." Muon is currently developing three additional satellites, which will launch in 2026. FireSat is expected to reach full operational capacity by 2030. About Muon Space Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack, Halo enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facilities in CA are optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From earth observation to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world. For more information on Muon Space, visit: About Earth Fire Alliance Earth Fire Alliance is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation founded in 2024 on the belief that high-fidelity data, accessible on a global scale, will transform humanity's collective approach and relationship to fire. The Alliance shares a vision of expanding wildfire focus and funding from reactive suppression to proactive stewardship that includes better informed real-time decisions on the ground, data-driven resilience initiatives, and improved understanding about the positive and negative role of fire on the landscape. Committed to delivering transformative real-time data from all wildfires on Earth through user-driven technology and radical collaboration, Earth Fire Alliance champions the FireSat satellite constellation. FireSat will deliver unprecedented data about where fires are and how fast they're moving to frontline fire responders around the globe. Learn more about the Alliance, FireSat, and how to get involved or support at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Muon Space Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
15-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Muon Space Deploys FireSat Protoflight, Marking a Major Milestone in Global Wildfire Monitoring
Initial FireSat satellite is healthy, paving the way for improved real-time wildfire intelligence and future constellation expansion MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Muon Space, an end-to-end space systems provider, has successfully launched the FireSat Protoflight satellite, marking a significant milestone in the deployment of the FireSat constellation. This groundbreaking initiative aims to transform global wildfire detection, monitoring, and response. Designed and built by Muon Space—including its state-of-the-art six-channel multispectral infrared (IR) instrument—FireSat showcases the company's expertise in delivering fully integrated, mission-tailored satellite systems from concept to operation. Launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter 13 rideshare mission on March 14 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Muon Space has successfully established communications with the satellite and confirmed its operational health. 'The FireSat mission exemplifies Muon Space's ability to rapidly design, build, and deploy high-performance remote sensing systems tailored to address complex, real-world challenges,' said Jonny Dyer, CEO of Muon Space. 'FireSat is just the beginning—we are demonstrating how purpose-built constellations can deliver transformative solutions at the speed our customers and partners require.' Announced in May 2024, the FireSat Constellation is a collaboration between Muon Space and Earth Fire Alliance, combining Muon's expertise in space-based remote sensing with the Alliance's deep knowledge of wildfire management and response strategies. This partnership aims to enhance global wildfire response, management, and situational awareness by providing actionable data to first responders, policymakers, and communities facing escalating wildfire threats. Working closely with hundreds of members of the federal, state, and local fire communities, Muon Space developed the FireSat system and delivered its first satellite to orbit in just 16 months. The initiative has been supported by leading NGOs and philanthropic organizations, including Environmental Defense Fund, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and others. 'Designing and building an advanced infrared instrument capable of detecting wildfires with high confidence required significant scientific and engineering innovation,' said Dan McCleese, Chief Scientist of Muon Space. 'This achievement underscores Muon Space's ability to push the boundaries of space-based observation, advancing not only wildfire intelligence but also a broad range of critical operational, scientific, and security applications.' The planned 50+-satellite constellation will eventually provide global coverage with each point on Earth observed every 20 minutes with key wildfire-prone regions benefiting from more frequent observations. 'FireSat is a game-changer for wildfire response,' said Brian Collins, Executive Director of Earth Fire Alliance. 'For too long, decision-makers have relied on outdated or incomplete fire data. FireSat is poised to provide persistent, high-fidelity, and detailed information that will empower end users to save more lives and structures, better protect ecosystems, and reduce economic losses.' Muon is currently developing three additional satellites, which will launch in 2026. FireSat is expected to reach full operational capacity by 2030. About Muon Space Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack, Halo enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facilities in CA are optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From earth observation to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world. For more information on Muon Space, visit: About Earth Fire Alliance Earth Fire Alliance is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation founded in 2024 on the belief that high-fidelity data, accessible on a global scale, will transform humanity's collective approach and relationship to fire. The Alliance shares a vision of expanding wildfire focus and funding from reactive suppression to proactive stewardship that includes better informed real-time decisions on the ground, data-driven resilience initiatives, and improved understanding about the positive and negative role of fire on the landscape. Committed to delivering transformative real-time data from all wildfires on Earth through user-driven technology and radical collaboration, Earth Fire Alliance champions the FireSat satellite constellation. FireSat will deliver unprecedented data about where fires are and how fast they're moving to frontline fire responders around the globe.
