Bezos-Backed MethaneSAT Lost in Space: Climate Mission Setback
A climate change mission suffered a setback as MethaneSAT, an $88 million satellite supported by Jeff Bezos, has gone silent in space, according to New Zealand officials.
The satellite, designed to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, experienced technical difficulties and ceased communication with ground control.
While a disappointment, officials from the New Zealand Space Agency emphasize the inherent challenges of space endeavors and the value of knowledge gained from both successes and failures.
Environmental Defense Fund's Perspective
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), which oversaw the project, views this as a setback rather than a complete failure. Amy Middleton, senior vice president at the EDF, highlights the progress made and the valuable lessons learned during the mission.
MethaneSAT's launch in March aimed to hold approximately 120 countries accountable to their methane emissions reduction pledges made in 2021. It also intended to support a pledge from 50 oil and gas companies at the Dubai COP28 climate summit to eliminate methane and gas flaring.
The Importance of Methane Monitoring
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, significantly more potent than carbon dioxide over a shorter timeframe. Scientists advocate for capping leaks from oil and gas infrastructure as a quick way to combat global warming.
The EDF received significant funding from the Bezos Earth Fund and other organizations to support this crucial climate monitoring initiative, carried out in partnership with the New Zealand Space Agency.