Bezos-Backed Methane-Tracking Satellite Mission Deemed Lost After Power Failure in Orbit

A climate change mission supported by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has suffered a setback as its methane-tracking satellite is now lost in space, according to officials in New Zealand.

The MethaneSAT probe, designed to provide "unprecedented resolution" in measuring greenhouse gas emissions, was co-funded by New Zealand and the US-based Environmental Defense Fund.

After experiencing a series of technical difficulties, the satellite has ceased responding to commands from ground control.

"This is clearly a disappointing development," stated Andrew Johnson, a senior representative from the New Zealand Space Agency. He added, "Those in the space sector understand that space is inherently challenging, and every attempt, whether successful or not, expands our knowledge and capabilities."

The Environmental Defense Fund, which spearheaded the project, acknowledged the "difficult news" but affirmed its commitment to continue its efforts in methane tracking.

MethaneSAT was specifically engineered to measure emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change by trapping heat within the Earth's atmosphere.

Obtaining accurate estimates of methane emissions from oil and gas projects worldwide has proven to be a significant challenge.

The MethaneSAT team emphasized that it was "one of the most advanced methane tracking satellites in space, measuring methane emissions in oil and gas producing regions across the world."

Early Data Showed Remarkable Findings

Project leader Steven Hamburg highlighted that the initial data collected by the satellite was "remarkable".

Hamburg noted on LinkedIn that "Recent measurements in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico revealed emissions three to five times higher than estimated by the US environmental protection agency, while emissions observed in the South Caspian region are over 10 times higher than reported."

MethaneSAT was launched in March 2024 aboard a SpaceX rocket from California.

Controllers initially lost contact with the satellite on June 20, according to a statement from the MethaneSAT team.

Satellite Deemed Unrecoverable

This week, on Monday, the team confirmed that the satellite had lost all power and was "likely not recoverable".

MethaneSAT stated that "The engineering team is conducting a thorough investigation into the loss of communication. This is expected to take time. We will share what we learn."

Despite its shortened operational lifespan, MethaneSAT lauded the mission as a "remarkable success in terms of scientific and technological accomplishment".

Jeff Bezos contributed over US$100 million to the project through his Earth Fund.

The satellite's failure follows a series of technical issues, including repeated unprompted entries into sleep mode, requiring engineers to perform lengthy resets. Additionally, one of its three thrusters malfunctioned.