Philanthropist-Backed Coalition to Launch Satellite Targeting Methane Leaks
A coalition supported by philanthropists, including former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg, is set to launch a groundbreaking satellite on Friday. This initiative, leveraging NASA-developed technology, aims to detect and address methane leaks from space, a significant contributor to global warming.
The Carbon Mapper Coalition’s Milestone Launch
The satellite launch, part of the SpaceX Transporter-11 Rideshare mission, represents a significant milestone for the Carbon Mapper Coalition, which was established in 2021. The coalition brings together prominent organisations, including NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, satellite company Planet Labs, RMI, and Arizona State University. The initiative is financially supported by several foundations, including the High Tide Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, Zegar Family Foundation, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.
The satellite, named Tanager-1, is equipped with advanced technology capable of pinpointing methane leaks from specific facilities such as oil refineries and landfills. This technology is designed to assist industries in identifying and fixing leaks, and the collected data will be made publicly accessible through an online portal.
The Critical Role of Methane Monitoring
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, more than 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide during its first 20 years in the atmosphere. Scientists emphasise that identifying and addressing methane sources is crucial for achieving the drastic emission reductions needed to prevent severe climate change impacts.
According to Carbon Mapper Chief Executive Riley Duren, “super-emitters,” or sources that release over 100 kilograms of methane per hour, can contribute between 20% to 60% of a region’s total emissions in certain sectors. By tracking these emissions, the Carbon Mapper Coalition aims to close significant gaps in global methane and CO2 monitoring.
Future Plans for Methane Tracking
The launch of Tanager-1 is just the beginning for the Carbon Mapper Coalition. The group plans to deploy additional satellites that, together, will have the capability to monitor up to 90% of the world’s major methane plumes on a daily basis. This comprehensive tracking system is expected to play a pivotal role in mitigating methane emissions globally.
Richard Lawrence, founder of the High Tide Foundation, highlighted the urgency of the mission, stating, “There is more momentum than ever to act on climate. But a lack of public and private investment in global methane and CO2 monitoring has left gaps that leave many emissions untracked and unaddressed.”
The SpaceX launch of Tanager-1 will take place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, with a 53-minute window for liftoff starting at 11:20 a.m. local time (1820 GMT).