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NASA NTRS · 20240009788

Space-based Sensor for Extreme Fire Weather Events

Aaron Pereira·Jason Sharples·Fred Menk·Ed Kruzins·Roger Kermode·Said Al-Sarawi·Derek Abbott·Caroline Poulson·Murzy Jhavbala·Douglas Morton·Patrick Gatlin·Mason Quick·Rob Warren·Paulo de Souza
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Abstract

Catastrophic bushfires are becoming increasingly prevalent as climate change advances. Impacts extend beyond national borders. Multinational efforts can inform new science and management practices. Space-based sensors and integrated data facilities will play an important role. This paper describes a collaborative project between a consortium of Australian universities and NASA Centers to develop and implement a small satellite platform comprising highly integrated thermal and lightning sensors coupled with AI-based edge computing to help predict, detect, and track bushfires, supporting mitigation activities. This will fill an important capability gap since Australia does not currently have any sovereign Earth observation satellites. This program is enabled by and builds on Australia-NASA collaboration and will also support fire science and management activities in the broader global context.

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Aaron Pereira, Jason Sharples, Fred Menk, Ed Kruzins, Roger Kermode, Said Al-Sarawi, Derek Abbott, Caroline Poulson, Murzy Jhavbala, Douglas Morton, Patrick Gatlin, Mason Quick, Rob Warren, Paulo de Souza. Space-based Sensor for Extreme Fire Weather Events. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20240009788

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