On October 12, 2023, MethaneSAT, a groundbreaking satellite designed to track and measure methane emissions worldwide, was successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission, led by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), aims to provide unprecedented insights into the global distribution and sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
Key Facts
- MethaneSAT is a joint project between the EDF, Harvard University, and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
- The satellite is equipped with a high-resolution spectrometer capable of detecting methane emissions from oil and gas facilities, agricultural sources, and other industrial sites
- MethaneSAT will orbit the Earth at an altitude of approximately 550 kilometers, completing one orbit every 90 minutes
- The data collected by the satellite will be made freely available to the public, policymakers, and researchers
The Importance of Monitoring Methane Emissions
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential over 80 times greater than carbon dioxide on a 20-year timescale. Despite its short atmospheric lifetime compared to CO2, methane is responsible for approximately 25% of the current warming attributed to human activities.
- Methane emissions from human sources, such as agriculture, oil and gas production, and landfills, have been increasing rapidly in recent years
- Reducing methane emissions is considered one of the most effective short-term strategies to limit global warming and its impacts
- Accurate monitoring and quantification of methane emissions are crucial for developing targeted mitigation policies and measuring their effectiveness
MethaneSAT’s Cutting-Edge Technology
MethaneSAT is equipped with a state-of-the-art spectrometer that can detect methane concentrations as low as 2 parts per billion (ppb) with a spatial resolution of 100 meters. This unprecedented sensitivity and resolution will allow the satellite to pinpoint the location and magnitude of methane emissions from various sources.
| Instrument | Specification |
| Spectrometer | High-resolution, capable of detecting methane at 2 ppb |
| Spatial Resolution | 100 meters |
| Spectral Range | 1.6-1.7 microns (methane absorption band) |
| Revisit Time | 7 days (global coverage) |
Applications and Expected Outcomes
The data collected by MethaneSAT will have numerous applications in the fight against climate change:
- Identifying Emission Hotspots: The satellite will help locate and quantify methane emissions from major sources, such as oil and gas facilities, coal mines, and agricultural sites. This information will be invaluable for prioritizing mitigation efforts and enforcing regulations.
- Improving Emission Inventories: MethaneSAT’s observations will help refine existing methane emission inventories, which are often based on limited ground-based measurements and estimates. More accurate inventories will enable better assessment of the effectiveness of emission reduction policies.
- Supporting International Agreements: The data from MethaneSAT will support the implementation and monitoring of international agreements, such as the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.
- Facilitating Research and Innovation: The freely available data from MethaneSAT will stimulate further research into methane emissions, their sources, and potential mitigation strategies. It will also encourage the development of innovative technologies and solutions to address this critical issue.
The launch of MethaneSAT marks a significant milestone in the global effort to combat climate change by tackling methane emissions.
- With its advanced technology and comprehensive coverage, the satellite will provide an unprecedented level of detail on the sources and distribution of methane worldwide.
- The data collected by MethaneSAT will be a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders as they work towards reducing methane emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
- As the world grapples with the urgent need to limit global warming, initiatives like MethaneSAT demonstrate the critical role of science and technology in informing and guiding our response to this existential threat.
- By shedding light on the invisible but potent problem of methane emissions, MethaneSAT will contribute to the development of more effective and targeted solutions, bringing us one step closer to a sustainable future.
