Satellite Designed for Global Methane Monitoring
MethaneSAT, an independent satellite launched by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in March 2024, marked a significant milestone in the global fight against methane emissions. The satellite, published by Hub media, was the first of its kind to be launched by a non-governmental organisation [1][4].
The mission of MethaneSAT was to detect, measure, and map methane emissions with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, providing near-weekly, high-resolution methane data to track and reduce emissions, particularly targeting a 75% reduction from the oil and gas sector by 2030 [2]. To achieve this, the satellite was equipped with a high-performance spectrometer and hyperspectral imaging technology, enabling it to capture methane concentrations with precision down to two parts per billion and a spatial resolution of about 100 x 400 meters across a 260 km field of view [1][3].
During its operational life, MethaneSAT made significant findings. It mapped methane emissions from oil and gas operations worldwide, exposing under-reported leaks such as those at the Permian Basin, and demonstrating that small leaks—which constitute the majority of methane pollution—could be detected remotely [2][3][5].
The impact of MethaneSAT was substantial despite its brief operational life. It helped accelerate progress towards methane pollution reduction goals by providing transparent, actionable data to industry, regulators, and the public. Moreover, it advanced technology and analytics for methane monitoring that can be used in future efforts [2].
Unfortunately, MethaneSAT ceased functioning prematurely in June 2025 due to an unexplained power system failure roughly 15 months after launch, cutting short what was intended as a five-year mission [4][5]. This loss created a significant monitoring gap but did not end methane detection efforts, as other satellites and constellations now complement global methane observation [3][4].
In summary, MethaneSAT's mission was to precisely detect and map methane emissions worldwide to support methane reduction efforts, provide high-resolution, near-real-time data for science and policy [1][2]. Its findings identified both major and small methane emission sources globally, revealed under-reported emissions, and validated hyperspectral satellite methane sensing at unprecedented precision [2][3]. The impact of MethaneSAT was significant, accelerating methane pollution reduction initiatives, enabling transparent, actionable emissions data, developing advanced analytics, and paving the way for ongoing methane monitoring programs worldwide [2][3][4]. The size of MethaneSAT is not disclosed in the available information.
- The high-performance spectrometer and hyperspectral imaging technology used in MethaneSAT, a satellite launched by the Environmental Defense Fund, is a testimony to the role technology plays in space-and-astronomy and science, as it enabled precise methane detection and mapping.
- The data provided by MethaneSAT contributed significantly to science, particularly in the field of space-and-astronomy and climate studies, as it helped expose under-reported methane emissions worldwide and demonstrate the effectiveness of satellite methane sensing at unprecedented precision.
