Greece pins hopes on heat-seeking satellites to predict wildfires
Summary
Greece has started using four small satellites with thermal imaging to help predict and fight wildfires. These satellites monitor temperature, humidity, and terrain to detect fires early, track their spread, and guide firefighting efforts more precisely.Key Facts
- The Hellenic Space Center in Athens operates four satellites orbiting 550 km above Earth.
- These satellites are Greece’s first with thermal imaging, which can see heat through smoke to locate fires.
- The satellites help predict where wildfires may start within hours by monitoring ground temperature and humidity.
- They provide maps of vegetation and elevation to show how fires might spread.
- Satellites send real-time images about fire fronts even at night, aiding early firefighting actions.
- Greece plans to launch seven more satellites with multi-spectral sensors to monitor forest health and detect fires.
- Greece faces about 10,000 forest and field fires annually, requiring advanced technology for faster response.
- Older methods relied on patrols and lookout posts, which are slower and less efficient than satellite monitoring.
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