EARLY DETECTION OF WILDFIRES USING A CUBESAT

  In recent years, the frequency and severity of wildfires have increased dramatically. As the fire seasons become more severe, it is estimated that between 3.5 and 4.5 million square kilometers (km2) of vegetation are consumed annually by flames. This is equal to the size of the European Union as a whole. Traditional IoT monitoring and camera systems are inefficient because they are time-consuming and expensive. In contrast, satellites have evolved into an efficient monitoring infrastructure that enables the observation of vast regions in real time. Additionally, satellite data provides essential information regarding the patterns and preferred trajectories of wildfires.[1]

 The main challenge with wildfires is their rapid spread, which makes it difficult to put out and can take days or weeks as the fire continues to grow and expand. Therefore, by anticipating the regions where a fire might occur, firefighters have more time to respond before significant damage occurs. This innovation is applied to CubeSat technology, nano-satellites that orbit in low earth orbit. This CubeSat uses Infrared radiation sensors as its main payload to monitor heat and hydrocarbons in huge regions. IR sensors they emit and receive infrared radiation. This radiation hits the objects nearby and bounces back to the receiver of the device By receiving thermal energy through infrared radiation. Using infrared spectroscopy, first, a source of white light that emits infrared radiation. The incident IR radiation modifies the molecules, whose constituent atoms and chemical bonds can absorb or modify the frequency of light. The IR radiation that has passed through the material is then collected by a detector, and a spectral profile is generated. IR peak absorption values for hydrocarbons are between 2800 and 3300 cm-1. [3]

 The radio frequency (RF) spectrum is essential for space activities. Almost every satellite utilizes the RF spectrum to communicate with the ground or other satellites. CubeSats communicate via radio signals with Earth. These waves are received by ground stations on Earth, which downlink the signals and convert the data into its 'true form', such as images or data archives.[5] And use an antenna to receive transmitted radio signals and a tuner to separate a particular signal from the other signals the antenna receives. And solar cells as its primary power source

ADVANTAGES

1- Will help in early detection of wildfires in large regions 

2- low cost of nano-satellite fast production (2 months - 1 year)

3- help with space debris

Reference 

[1]Purwar, K. (n.d.). Role of Satellite Data in Monitoring Climate Change. Blue Sky Analytics.https://blueskyhq.io/blog/assessing-satellite-data-and-its-role-in-monitoring-climate-change [2]Bedolla, A. (2022, July 27). Wildfire Detection Technologies - Robotics Cats. Robotics Cats. https://roboticscats.com/2022/07/27/wildfire-detection-technologies/ [3]What is Infrared Spectroscopy Used For? (2022, May 19). AZoOptics.com. https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2252 [4]2023, B. A., & B. (2021, February 13). How CubeSats Communicate | Bright Ascension. Bright Ascension. https://brightascension.com/how-do-cubesats-communicate/ [5]Smith, B., & Smith, B. C. (2021, November 1). The Infrared Spectra of Polymers III: Hydrocarbon Polymers. Spectroscopy Online. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-infrared-spectra-of-polymers-iii-hydrocarbon-polymers

Author & Inventor: Yumn Alotaibi