An advanced satellite worth $88 million, supported by billionaire Jeff Bezos and designed to monitor methane emissions from the oil and gas industry, has been declared lost in space, as stated by the organization overseeing its operations. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with 80 times the warming impact of carbon dioxide over two decades, often evades detection, contributing to uncertain pollution levels.
The satellite, known as MethaneSAT, was actively gathering emissions data and imagery from various facilities worldwide, including drilling sites and pipelines, until it veered off course approximately 10 days ago, according to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the leading force behind the initiative. Despite its last known position over Svalbard, Norway, EDF expressed little hope of recovering the satellite due to power loss.
The setback of losing MethaneSAT was acknowledged by Amy Middleton, EDF’s senior vice president, who emphasized the invaluable insights gained from the project. Launched in March 2024, MethaneSAT marked a significant milestone in EDF’s ongoing efforts to hold over 120 countries accountable for their methane emission reduction commitments made in 2021.
Scientists highlight the urgency of addressing methane leaks from oil and gas operations as a swift strategy to combat climate change due to methane’s high potency. Although MethaneSAT was not the sole initiative tracking methane emissions via satellites, its collaboration with Google enabled the creation of a comprehensive global emissions map, offering detailed insights into emission sources.
The loss of MethaneSAT has been reported to relevant federal agencies by EDF, with investigations ongoing to determine the cause of the mishap. Despite the setback, EDF’s commitment to methane leak detection remains strong, utilizing resources like methane-detecting aircraft to continue monitoring emissions.
With mounting global pressure to address methane emissions, countries like Canada have committed to significant reduction targets by 2030. Other initiatives, such as GHGSat based in Montreal, are deploying advanced satellite technology to detect methane emissions from various sources, including oil and gas operations and landfills. GHGSat’s efforts contribute valuable data to the International Methane Emissions Observatory, aiding global methane reduction strategies.
In conclusion, the loss of MethaneSAT underscores the ongoing challenges in monitoring methane emissions, but the collective efforts of organizations and countries worldwide signal a growing commitment to combatting climate change through targeted methane reduction measures.
