- MethaneSAT, the latest addition to the space technology arsenal, has the potential to revolutionise worldwide methane emission tracking and measurement.
- This revolutionary satellite, launched on a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket, is expected to deliver unprecedented insights into methane emissions, contributing in the fight against climate change.
Unraveling MethaneSAT
- The Environmental Defence Fund (EDF) launched MethaneSAT in partnership with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency.
- MethaneSAT, which uses a high-resolution infrared sensor and a spectrometer, can detect methane concentrations as low as three parts per billion.
- MethaneSAT’s wide-camera view of around 200 km by 200 km allows it to identify both small and big emitters, filling vital data gaps.
Key Features:
- Data Accessibility: MethaneSAT will make its data available for free in near real-time, allowing stakeholders and regulators to take timely action to reduce methane emissions.
- Cloud Computing and AI: The large volume of data acquired by MethaneSAT will be analysed using Google’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence technology, ensuring efficient processing and interpretation.
Significance of Methane Emission Monitoring
- Methane emissions are a significant contributor to global warming, second only to carbon dioxide, highlighting the importance of monitoring them.
- Health concerns: Methane emissions contribute to the production of ground-level ozone, which poses major health concerns and causes premature death.
- Fossil Fuel Operations: The majority of human-caused methane emissions come from fossil fuel operations, making it critical to monitor and minimise them.
Implications
- Global Impact: The debut of MethaneSAT coincides with the growing global demand for stringent methane management rules.
- Transparency: MethaneSAT’s publicly available data will hold governments and corporations accountable for their efforts to reduce methane emissions.
- Behavioural Change Challenges: While MethaneSAT data can raise awareness, behavioural improvements among polluters are not assured, emphasising the necessity for further regulatory measures.
Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/climate/methanesat-launch-climate-1.7132770