Eye in the sky to spot bushfire danger zones

Scientists at The Australian National University (ANU) will lead the development of the first Australian satellite designed to predict where bushfires are likely to start and those that will be difficult to contain.

The new satellite will accurately measure forest fuel load and vegetation moisture levels across Australia - the technology will be specifically tuned to detect changes in Australian plants and trees such as Eucalypts, which are highly flammable.

The shoebox-sized satellite will be designed, developed and built at the ANU Advanced Instrumentation Technology Centre at Mount Stromlo Observatory with the goal of enhancing Australia-wide bushfire management and prevention.