Automating the Wildfire Detection and Scheduling Pipeline with Maneuverable Earth Observation Satellites

Abstract

Wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent, with potentially devastating consequences, including loss of life, infrastructure destruction, and severe environmental damage. Low-Earth-orbit satellites equipped with onboard sensors can capture critical information related to active wildfires and enable near-real-time detection through machine learning algorithms applied to the acquired data. We propose a framework that automates the complete wildfire detection and satellite scheduling pipeline, entitled the WildFire-applicable Intelligent and Responsive Ensemble for Detection and Scheduling (WildFIRE-DS). This paper develops an algorithm to realize the vision of the WildFIRE-DS as a proof of concept, integrating three key components: wildfire detection in satellite imagery, statistical updating that incorporates data from repeated flyovers, and multisatellite scheduling optimization. The algorithm enables wildfire detection using convolutional neural networks with sensor fusion techniques, incorporates subsequent flyover information via Bayesian statistics, and schedules a constellation of satellites using the state-of-the-art Reconfigurable Earth Observation Satellite Scheduling Problem. Simulated experiments conducted using real-world wildfire locations and the orbits of operational Earth observation satellites demonstrate that this autonomous detection and scheduling approach effectively enhances wildfire monitoring capabilities.