Bezos-Backed Methane-Tracking Satellite Mission Ends Abruptly After Loss of Contact

A satellite supported by Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos, designed to monitor methane emissions, has been lost in space, according to officials in New Zealand. The probe was part of a crucial climate change initiative.

The MethaneSAT probe, also funded by Wellington and the US-based Environmental Defense Fund, aimed to measure greenhouse gas emissions with unprecedented accuracy. However, after experiencing a series of technical difficulties, the satellite has ceased responding to commands from Earth.

"This is clearly a disappointing development," stated Andrew Johnson, a senior official at the New Zealand Space Agency. "Those in the space sector understand the inherent challenges, and every attempt, whether successful or not, expands our knowledge and capabilities."

The Environmental Defense Fund, which spearheaded the project, acknowledged the setback but affirmed its commitment to methane-tracking efforts. MethaneSAT was specifically engineered to quantify emissions of the potent greenhouse gas, a key driver of climate change due to its heat-trapping properties in the Earth's atmosphere.

Obtaining precise measurements of methane emissions from oil and gas operations worldwide has proven to be exceptionally challenging. The MethaneSAT team highlighted its capabilities: "It was among the most advanced methane-tracking satellites, designed to measure emissions in oil and gas producing regions globally."

Remarkable Initial Data

Project lead Steven Hamburg described the preliminary data collected by the satellite as "remarkable." On LinkedIn, Hamburg noted, "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. Emissions observed in the South Caspian region are over 10 times higher than reported."

MethaneSAT was launched into space in March 2024 aboard a SpaceX rocket from California. Controllers initially lost contact with the satellite on June 20, according to the MethaneSAT team.

Unlikely to Recover

The team confirmed that the satellite lost all power earlier this week and is "likely not recoverable."

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

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

Bezos invested over US$100 million in the project through his philanthropic Earth Fund.

The satellite's demise followed a series of technical issues, including repeated instances of entering sleep mode without prompting, requiring engineers to perform time-consuming resets. Additionally, one of its three thrusters malfunctioned.