FireSat satellites launched to improve wildfire detection, tracking across California

Three wildfire detection satellites were launched this week with the goal of helping firefighters detect fires earlier and protect communities across California. This is the first time a satellite system was designed with the intention of detecting wildfires.

Tuesday’s launch took place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. The satellites were on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and were a part of the company’s Transporter-17 Mission.