Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
Navigating Communication Challenges in Wildland Firefighting
NASA is joining forces with various organizations to enhance real-time communication for firefighters engaged in battling wildland fires through the use of high-altitude balloons.
In the often rugged and inaccessible terrains where wildland fires occur, traditional cell phone services frequently fall short, complicating communication efforts between firefighting teams and command centers.
This initiative, known as the Strategic Tactical Radio and Tactical Overwatch (STRATO) program, represents a collaboration involving NASA’s Ames Research Center, the U.S. Forest Service, Aerostar (a firm specializing in high-altitude balloons), and Motorola. The project received financial backing from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, specifically the Earth Science Division’s Airborne Science Program, along with the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Flight Opportunities program.
“This project leverages NASA expertise to address real problems,” said Don Sullivan, the principal investigator for STRATO at NASA Ames. “We engage in substantial experimental work, but this initiative is operational and can yield immediate benefits.”
Elevated Response Above Wildland Fires
Aerostar’s Thunderhead balloons operate at altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet and have the potential to function continuously for several months. These balloon systems can also be maneuvered to maintain a specific position, providing a mobile communication platform over areas where cellular service is generally inadequate. This approach promises to enhance both firefighter safety and operational efficiency during firefighting efforts.
The first test of the STRATO project occurred in August over the West Mountain Complex fires in Idaho. This preliminary flight illustrated promising capabilities for supporting firefighting operations. Equipped with a cellular LTE transmitter, along with visual and infrared imaging systems, the balloon utilized a SpaceX Starlink satellite device and a Silvus broadband wireless system to relay information back to the incident command center.
During the test, the instruments aboard the balloon established cell coverage across a 20-mile radius. The positioning of the transmitter on a gimbal permitted real-time adjustments to maintain communication as ground crews moved throughout the area.
Moreover, the visual data captured by the onboard cameras provided invaluable aerial insights for fire management, significantly enhancing situational awareness and supporting efficient tracking of firefighting personnel. Ground teams leveraged an application called Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) to monitor the locations of crews and equipment. Integrating STRATO’s capabilities with TAK allowed for real-time data on fire movement and the optimal deployment of resources, facilitating constant communication.
Looking Ahead: Innovations in Firefighting Communication
The STRATO team is focused on refining their technology based on insights gained from the August testing to prepare for future wildfire seasons. Plans include optimizing the placement of balloon systems to create a communication network capable of adapting to atmospheric changes. By strategically positioning balloons along known airflow paths, they can serve as interchangeable assets, enhancing operational flexibility.
Furthermore, the team is exploring the possibility of modifying the equipment aboard the balloons to contribute to various other wildfire management initiatives at NASA.
As the team gears up for further evaluations in the coming year, the primary objective remains to ensure that firefighters stay informed and maintain seamless communication with one another and their command posts, ultimately increasing safety and efficiency in combating wildland fires.
“Firefighters work incredibly hard saving lives and property over long days of work,” Sullivan remarked. “I am honored to contribute to efforts that can make their jobs safer and more effective.”
Source
www.nasa.gov