Wildfires often occur in remote, rugged terrains where cell service is unreliable, complicating communication between ground teams and command centers. The Strategic Tactical Radio and Tactical Overwatch (STRATO) initiative, supported by NASA's Science Mission Directorate's Earth Science Division Airborne Science Program and the Space Technology Mission Directorate Flight Opportunities program, seeks to solve this issue by providing cell service from high altitudes.

"This project leverages NASA expertise to address real problems," said Don Sullivan, principal investigator for STRATO at NASA Ames. "We do a lot of experimental, forward-thinking work, but this is something that is operational and can make an immediate impact."

Operating at altitudes above 50,000 feet, Aerostar's Thunderhead balloon systems can remain airborne for months, staying within a specific radius for optimal positioning. This capability allows them to provide cellular communication that can move and adapt as wildfires shift, thereby enhancing safety and response efficiency.

The first test of the STRATO system occurred during the West Mountain Complex fires in Idaho in August. The balloon, equipped with a cellular LTE transmitter and visual/infrared cameras, used SpaceX Starlink and Silvus wireless systems to link with command posts on the ground. The test confirmed that the system could offer cell coverage over a 20-mile radius and adapt coverage using a gimbal-mounted transmitter.

The visual feeds from the balloon's cameras also gave fire managers and ground teams a strategic overview of the fire's behavior, boosting situational awareness and crew tracking. The app Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK), used by firefighters for monitoring personnel and equipment, could integrate with STRATO's system, providing updated location data and enhancing communication.

Looking ahead, the STRATO team plans to build on their recent findings for future fire seasons by refining balloon constellations to ensure broader coverage and adapt to stratospheric airflow. Strategic positioning of the balloons can allow them to replace one another as needed. Future equipment updates might also support new fire response projects at NASA.

"Firefighters work incredibly hard saving lives and property over long days of work," added Sullivan. "I feel honored to be able to do what we can to make their jobs safer and better."