Bezos-Backed Methane-Tracking Satellite Mission Deemed Lost After Technical Failures in Space

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

The MethaneSAT probe, designed to measure greenhouse gas emissions with unprecedented accuracy, was backed by funding from Wellington and the Environmental Defense Fund, based in the US. The satellite has ceased responding to commands from Earth after experiencing several technical issues.

Andrew Johnson, a senior official at the New Zealand Space Agency, acknowledged the setback. "Clearly, this is a disappointing development," he stated. "Those working in the space sector understand the inherent challenges, and every endeavor, regardless of its outcome, expands our knowledge and capabilities."

The Environmental Defense Fund, which spearheaded the project, described the news as "difficult" but affirmed its commitment to continue tracking methane emissions.

MethaneSAT's primary objective was to measure emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change by trapping heat within the Earth's atmosphere. Obtaining reliable measurements of methane emissions from global oil and gas operations has proven to be a major challenge.

The MethaneSAT team emphasized the satellite's advanced capabilities, stating, "It was one of the most advanced methane tracking satellites in space, measuring methane emissions in oil and gas producing regions across the world."

Initial Data Showed 'Remarkable' Findings

Project lead Steven Hamburg highlighted the "remarkable" initial data gathered by the satellite. He noted that measurements taken in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico indicated emissions were three to five times greater than estimates provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, emissions observed in the South Caspian region were more than ten times higher than reported.

Launched in March 2024 aboard a SpaceX rocket from California, controllers lost contact with the satellite on June 20, according to the MethaneSAT team.

'Not Recoverable'

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

MethaneSAT stated that its engineering team is conducting a thorough investigation into the loss of communication, expecting the process to "take time."

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

Bezos, through his Earth Fund, invested over US$100 million in the project. The satellite faced a series of technical challenges prior to its failure, including repeatedly entering sleep mode without instruction, requiring engineers to perform time-consuming resets. Furthermore, one of its three thrusters malfunctioned.