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Google-backed satellites for wildfire detection launch as smoke chokes US, Canada

As smoke from hundreds of burning wildfires spread across Canada and the United States, the first three operational satellites in the Google-backed FireSat program successfully launched into orbit. The satellites will begin providing wildfire detection capable of spotting even small fires in the United States, Australia, and Europe before the end of the year.

The launch of the microsatellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on July 7, 2026 marks a transition to β€œinitial operational capability” for the FireSat constellation managed by the nonprofit Earth Fire Alliance. After a three-month testing period, the three satellites will begin actively providing data to fire agencies while covering every fire-prone region on Earth at least twice per day.

FireSat represents the first satellite constellation purpose-built for detecting wildfires, including spotting smaller fires that other satellites may miss. The satellites were designed by California-based satellite manufacturer Muon Space and have received over $15 million from Google to support initial deployment. Other notable financial supporters include the Bezos Earth Fund that committed $26 million.

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Β© Muon Space

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Google-backed satellites for wildfire detection launch as smoke chokes US, Canada

As smoke from hundreds of burning wildfires spread across Canada and the United States, the first three operational satellites in the Google-backed FireSat program successfully launched into orbit. The satellites will begin providing wildfire detection capable of spotting even small fires in the United States, Australia, and Europe before the end of the year.

The launch of the microsatellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on July 7, 2026 marks a transition to β€œinitial operational capability” for the FireSat constellation managed by the nonprofit Earth Fire Alliance. After a three-month testing period, the three satellites will begin actively providing data to fire agencies while covering every fire-prone region on Earth at least twice per day.

FireSat represents the first satellite constellation purpose-built for detecting wildfires, including spotting smaller fires that other satellites may miss. The satellites were designed by California-based satellite manufacturer Muon Space and have received over $15 million from Google to support initial deployment. Other notable financial supporters include the Bezos Earth Fund that committed $26 million.

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Β© Muon Space

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Trump Attacks National Academies Over Climate Chapter in Judges’ Manual

The president joined Republican officials who slammed the National Academies of Sciences for a chapter about climate science in an educational guide for judges.
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Trump Attacks National Academies Over Climate Chapter in Judges’ Manual

The president joined Republican officials who slammed the National Academies of Sciences for a chapter about climate science in an educational guide for judges.

Β© David Coleman/Alamy

The National Academies of Sciences building in Washington, D.C.
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As Natural Disasters Expand, a Disaster-Tracking App Is Booming

Known for tracking California wildfires, Watch Duty is moving beyond that mission. Millions of people are turning to it for help.

Β© Joel Angel Juarez/Associated Press

An emergency vehicle at the flooding Guadalupe River in Comfort, Texas, on Thursday.
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E.U. Proposes Changes to Emissions Trading System

The European Union is facing a green backlash as emissions cuts become harder and require bigger overhauls to industry and livelihoods

Β© Nadja Wohlleben/Reuters

Europe, which often holds itself up as a climate leader, has been facing political infighting over some of its policies.
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National Academies Report Backs Climate Change Attribution Science

Attribution science is advancing quickly, researchers said. That could support lawsuits seeking damages for severe events worsened by global warming.

Β© Stephane Mahe/Reuters

A firefighting helicopter at a wildfire burning in the Forest of Fontainebleau near Paris on Monday.
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Google-backed satellites for wildfire detection launch as smoke chokes US, Canada

As smoke from hundreds of burning wildfires spread across Canada and the United States, the first three operational satellites in the Google-backed FireSat program successfully launched into orbit. The satellites will begin providing wildfire detection capable of spotting even small fires in the United States, Australia, and Europe before the end of the year.

The launch of the microsatellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on July 7, 2026 marks a transition to β€œinitial operational capability” for the FireSat constellation managed by the nonprofit Earth Fire Alliance. After a three-month testing period, the three satellites will begin actively providing data to fire agencies while covering every fire-prone region on Earth at least twice per day.

FireSat represents the first satellite constellation purpose-built for detecting wildfires, including spotting smaller fires that other satellites may miss. The satellites were designed by California-based satellite manufacturer Muon Space and have received over $15 million from Google to support initial deployment. Other notable financial supporters include the Bezos Earth Fund that committed $26 million.

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Β© Muon Space

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An Extraordinary White House Meeting

A new book sheds light on President Trump’s affinity for fossil fuels.

Β© Adriana Loureiro Fernandez for The New York Times

An oil refinery in Punto Fijo, Venezuela. In a meeting with the president, the Chevron chief executive pushed for an extension of the company’s license to operate in the country.
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The Wildfire Researchers Who Burn Houses Down on Purpose

As wildfires intensify, threatening more people, a nonprofit is studying how to rethink homes and neighborhoods to prevent catastrophe.
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