Overview

This task aims to initiate concept studies in collaboration with commercial space-based remote sensing providers to explore affordable, scalable passive technologies for continuous US wildfire monitoring. Infrared sensing and other technologies will be explored to enable early detection and real-time tracking of fire evolution. These studies will pave the way for innovative early warning systems and data-driven risk reduction strategies, empowering first responders and safeguarding communities.

Science Area

Escalating wildfire risks threaten communities and resources across the US. Driven by this growing challenge, cutting-edge space-based passive technologies, including infrared sensors and GNSS-R, hold the promise of creating a real-time wildfire detection and prediction network. Early warnings and targeted preventative measures, empowered by this scientific leap, have the potential to revolutionize wildfire mitigation, protecting lives and infrastructure from the flames.

Technology

This task will identify enabling capabilities by gathering stakeholder feedback and guide industry focus on future technologies for wildfire monitoring for both risk reduction actions and early warnings for first responders. The project team will survey industry capabilities and conduct feasibility studies to develop promising mission concepts with the identified technologies for tackling wildland fire threats.

Advancements

• A detailed list of desired capabilities for wildfire detection technologies will be generated in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Comprehensive reports on industry capabilities and their potential integration into mission concepts will be created to address the identified capabilities and needs.
• A strategic stakeholder infusion plan leveraging industry’s technology capability will be produced.

Principal Investigator

Rashmi Shah is the Associate Chief Technologist for the Earth Science & Technology Directorate at NASA’s JPL where she works with teams on early concept development. Her research interests include microwave remote sensing, electromagnetic scattering, remote sensing using signals of opportunity reflectometry, and microwave remote sensing instrument development. She received a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University.