Russia may increase the grouping of infrared satellites for monitoring fires and emergencies

Currently, there is one satellite, Kanopus-V-IK, in orbit, launched in July 2017. He is part of a group of

five simple “Canopuses” without an infrared telescope.

According to Leonid Makridenko, general director of VNIIEM,An increase in the number of satellites in orbit will allow not only to monitor fires and other natural emergencies in Russia, but also to map and discover new areas of gas and oil fields.

The development of a constellation of up to six spacecraft will provide global coverage and detection of fires with a field area of ​​up to 5 by 5 m.

Leonid Makridenko, General Director of VNIIEM

Earlier, the head of SpaceX, Elon Musk, showed 60 of the first InternetX satellites - Starlink, intended to create a global Internet provider throughout the planet.