AI eyes in the sky: new satellites and artificial intelligence are transforming wildfire detection

Hi-tech cameras orbiting Earth and on the ground, along with AI, help firefighters extinguish blazes before they spread The fires in Spokane, Washington , this summer are the latest reminder that when a wildfire is detected can be just as important as where it starts. A blaze found within minutes can often be contained before it spreads. Wait too long, and a small spark can become a major disaster. A new effort to shorten that timeline began in July when a SpaceX rocket carried the first three FireSat satellites into orbit. The trio is the first part of a planned network of 50 satellites built solely to spot wildfires while they are still small enough to stop. Continue reading...