The disappearance of the MethaneSAT satellite satellite has brought to a premature end one of the most promising missions for detecting methane emissions from space. Operated by EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) and launched in March 2024, the satellite had succeeded in collecting crucial information on emissions in oil-producing areas around the world, including regions of the United States and Central Asia.
What happened to the MethaneSAT satellite?
A press release informed that on June 20 contact with MethaneSAT was lost. After several unsuccessful attempts to reactivate the system, the team confirmed that the satellite lost power, making it impossible to recover it. The loss was described as “disappointing” by authorities of the New Zealand Space Agency, which participated as a partner in the project together with EDF and with financial support from Jeff Bezos.
During its operation, MethaneSAT provided data that revealed emission levels three to ten times higher than officially reported. The first measurements on oil fields in Texas, New Mexico and the Caspian Sea provided an alarming perspective on the under-reporting of these emissions.
The satellite was equipped with advanced spectrometers that exceeded expectations, identifying both superemitters and minor sources previously invisible to satellite observation.
The project continues from Earth
Despite the loss of the satellite, the MethaneSAT team said it will continue to process the data collected and make new regional information available to the public in the coming months. It will also continue to collaborate with bodies such as the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 and the Global Methane Commitment.
The algorithms, software and technology developed for this mission will continue to be used by other initiatives that seek to improve greenhouse gas monitoring.
Follow us on social networks and don’t miss any of our publications!
YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok
Source and photo: MethaneSAT
