SACRAMENTO – (INT) –The first three FireSat wildfire detection satellites were launched from California on Tuesday, July 7, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, a partnership between California and Earth Fire Alliance (EFA), a global nonprofit coalition working to deliver real-time wildfire data to fire agencies around the world.

Built by California-based spacecraft manufacturer Muon Space, FireSat is the first satellite system specifically designed to detect wildfires. These three satellites will begin delivering wildfire data within months, the first step toward a full constellation of more than 50 satellites by 2030 that will cover the entire planet every 20 minutes, catching fires as small as a schoolyard before they grow into megafires.

These three satellites will use frequent high-resolution data to identify and monitor wildfires in real time — helping firefighters combat wildfires and protect life and property. Following liftoff, the satellites will undergo a three month commissioning and calibration period before beginning operational data delivery.

“The FireSat launch marks a transformative step toward space enabled wildfire intelligence, strengthening California’s resilience and demonstrating the power of global collaboration in confronting increasingly complex fire years,” said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler.

California, through CAL FIRE, played a foundational role in FireSat’s development, conducting early testing and concept evaluation even before EFA formally existed.

Story Date: July 8, 2026