Aircraft have been supporting wildfire response for decades—dropping water and retardant, tracking fire movement, and helping protect communities. Yet most aerial firefighting today is still limited to daytime operations using crewed aircraft, with only limited capability in challenging conditions like heavy smoke or low visibility. This leaves critical hours—especially at night—when fires can continue to grow with reduced aerial support.

In this talk, we explore how new technologies being developed at NASA are helping change that picture. By advancing smarter airspace management and coordination tools, these innovations aim to enable safe, continuous (24/7) aerial operations and better integration of both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The goal is to make firefighting from the sky safer, more flexible, and more effective—even in complex and low-visibility environments.

Join us for a look at how these emerging capabilities could transform wildfire response in the years ahead, expanding what’s possible, improving safety for those on the front lines, and helping communities better face the growing challenge of wildfires.

Advance registration is required. Attendance is free. Refreshments will be available for paid attendees.
https://aiaa-sf.org/event/tech-talk-fighting-wildfires/

Ludwig's Biergarten, 383 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041, Apr. 9, 2026, 5 - 6:30pm

(All ages welcome!) Come and join your colleagues and friends in the aerospace profession in a relaxed atmosphere. Network over a pitcher of beer and schnitzel. AIAA-SF will provide the first round of drinks and appetizers. Let's exchange ideas, and talk about what everybody is doing, and what's happening in Aerospace.

Please RSVP so that we can get suitable space:
https://aiaa-sf.org/registration/

Ludwigs Biergarten, 383 Castro St, Mountain View, Feb. 26th, 2026, 5 - 6:30pm

(All ages welcome!) Come and join your colleagues and friends in the aerospace profession in a relaxed atmosphere. Network over a pitcher of beer and schnitzel. AIAA-SF will provide the first round of drinks and appetizers. Let's exchange ideas, and talk about what everybody is doing, and what's happening in Aerospace. Please RSVP so that we can get suitable space.

https://aiaa-sf.org/registration/