The satellite that detects fires before firefighters has a problem: it has to dodge space debris, leaving blind spots on the map

NASA’s Aqua satellite, vital for early wildfire detection, is repeatedly maneuvering to avoid space debris in low Earth orbit.

Since 2005, Aqua, Terra and Aura have made dozens of collision-avoidance moves, creating gaps in fire monitoring coverage.

These evasive maneuvers burn fuel faster and could shorten the satellites’ operational lives, weakening emergency and environmental monitoring.