SPACE Act of 2024

HR 7362, the SPACE Act of 2024, requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish cooperative agreements with land-grant universities for research using satellite and remote sensing data to improve wildland fire management. The bill directs the Secretary to provide these institutions with existing satellite data (including real-time images and infrared capabilities) and mandates they share research findings on fire behavior, smoke patterns, and data gaps. It also requires two reports: one within one year detailing opportunities to expand research partnerships, and another within 180 days outlining plans to integrate satellite technology for fire forecasting, containment strategies, and resource deployment. The law directly affects land-grant universities, USDA agencies, and federal fire management entities like the National Interagency Fire Center.