Muon Space Launches FireSat Satellite to Strengthen Wildfire Tracking
The FireSat prototype developed by Muon Space begins operations in orbit to support real-time wildfire data delivery for faster decision-making.
Elena Whitmore 
Muon Space has confirmed that its FireSat Protoflight satellite, launched on March 14 via SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, has successfully entered orbit and begun operations. This marks the first deployment in a planned constellation of more than 50 satellites designed to improve wildfire detection and tracking on a global scale. The system is being developed to deliver updated Earth imagery every 20 minutes, especially focusing on wildfire-prone regions to support quicker responses on the ground.
End-to-end development by Muon Space
The FireSat system features a six-channel multispectral infrared instrument and was developed entirely in-house by Muon Space. The company’s CEO, Jonny Dyer, noted that the mission demonstrates Muon’s capacity to quickly deliver high-performance remote sensing solutions tailored for real-world challenges. The satellite was designed, built, and integrated at Muon's facilities in California, showcasing its ability to manage full-cycle space system development.
Strategic collaboration with Earth Fire Alliance
The FireSat Constellation is the result of a collaboration between Muon Space and the Earth Fire Alliance, announced in May 2024. The partnership combines Muon’s technical capabilities with the operational knowledge of Earth Fire Alliance in wildfire management. This collaboration also involved input and support from various fire agencies across federal, state, and local levels. Financial and strategic backing came from nonprofit organizations and philanthropic groups, including the Environmental Defense Fund and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
Dan McCleese, Chief Scientist at Muon Space, stated that designing an infrared instrument capable of identifying wildfires with high precision demanded both scientific and engineering advancements. According to McCleese, the technology serves a broad spectrum of potential uses beyond fire detection, including operational, scientific, and security-focused applications.
Data access to improve decision-making
Once fully operational, the constellation will support live, high-resolution data sharing with emergency teams and policymakers. This will allow a shift away from delayed or incomplete fire data. Brian Collins, Executive Director of Earth Fire Alliance, emphasized that FireSat will allow decision-makers to access persistent, high-fidelity information in real time, which may help reduce loss of life, structural damage, and ecological harm.
Next steps toward full deployment
While the Protoflight satellite has begun operations, Muon Space is already working on the next three satellites, scheduled for launch in 2026. The company plans to complete the full constellation by 2030, enabling an operational system that sets a new benchmark for Earth observation related to wildfire activity. Founded in 2021, Muon Space continues to focus on shortening time-to-orbit while delivering customizable space-based observation tools. Meanwhile, Earth Fire Alliance, founded in 2024, remains committed to reimagining fire response through proactive land management and real-time data access.
