The Bronco Ember: Autonomous Nascent Wildfire Detection and Prevention System aims to provide autonomous point-of-interest (POI) detection and tracking of nascent wildfires by potentially improving upon the positional accuracy of current geolocation technologies. This project will combine the use of a short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera with artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide potentially faster and more accurate aerial detection of fires, natural disasters, or other planetary science observations (e.g., methane plumes on Enceladus or ejecta from lunar impacts).

Problem Statement
Current geolocation lacks the positional accuracy needed for aerial detection of nascent fires. This geolocation algorithm aims to provide higher precision location determination for nascent wildfire detection. This improved precision could prove beneficial to not only wildfire detection but Earth observation and planetary research missions as well. Improved geolocation positional accuracy could benefit current and future sensing technologies.

Technology Maturation
The gimbal mechanism is designed to provide full mobility and continuous tracking of a target within a 180° field of view. This project aims to advance this innovation’s technology readiness level (TRL) to TRL 6 by the time of launch.

This project aims to provide autonomous point-of-interest (POI) detection and tracking of nascent wildfires by improving upon the positional accuracy of current geolocation technologies. This project will combine the use of a short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera with artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide potentially faster and more accurate aerial detection of fires, natural disasters, or other planetary science observations (e.g., methane plumes on Enceladus or ejecta from lunar impacts).

This has the potential to benefit NASA missions, the commercial space industry, other government agencies (e.g., forest management and wildfire prevention), Earth science and planetary researchers, and the nation.

Future Customers
- Detection and tracking of wildfires and other terrestrial/planetary observations
- Improved geolocation systems
- Government forest management and wildfire prevention agencies
- Earth science and planetary researchers