Ageing Satellite Raises Fire Detection Concerns
An important satellite that supports bushfire detection across northern Australia is approaching the end of its operational life, creating potential blind spots in fire monitoring across some of the country’s most remote regions.
Land managers in Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia rely on the Northern Australian Fire Information (NAFI) system, which compiles data from eight international satellites to detect active fires and thermal hotspots. The platform is widely used across rural and remote areas where on-the-ground monitoring is limited.
One of the most significant contributors to that network has been NASA’s Terra satellite, launched in 1999. After 25 years in orbit, the spacecraft is now experiencing power and sensor limitations that are affecting its ability to consistently detect morning fire activity.
The satellite traditionally passed over Australia in the late morning, a key window for identifying fires that may have ignited overnight. With reduced sensor performance, detection reliability has reportedly declined, potentially creating gaps of up to 10–12 hours before other satellites pass overhead later in the day. For remote landholders and emergency responders, those hours can mean a lot.
In low-populated regions, satellite monitoring is often the primary method of identifying fires early. Without this, fires can escalate rapidly before crews are sent out.
A new satellite launched by the European Space Agency is expected to strengthen coverage. However, hotspot detection data will not become fully operational until Australian analysts complete the developments required to process imagery for local fire conditions.
Meanwhile, NASA has confirmed that Terra remains operational, although it was moved to a lower orbit in 2022 to conserve fuel. The shift, combined with ageing solar panels, has contributed to reduced performance.
The situation highlights the increasing reliance on space-based monitoring in modern fire management strategies. For emergency services, infrastructure operators and land managers, early detection remains one of the most effective tools in reducing impact and protecting communities.
As discussions around wildfire resilience, technology integration and risk mitigation continue, these themes are expected to feature prominently at The Fire Safety Event Australia 2026, where industry leaders will explore advancements and coordinated strategies.
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