Carbon Mapper Coalition Launches First Methane-Hunting Satellite to Tackle Climate Change

A coalition backed by philanthropists, including former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg, launched the first satellite dedicated to detecting methane leaks from space. The launch, which took place aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-11 Rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marks a significant milestone for the Carbon Mapper Coalition, an alliance formed in 2021.

The coalition comprises a partnership between NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, satellite firm Planet Labs, Arizona State University, and non-profit organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). Financial backing comes from several prominent foundations, including High Tide Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, Zegar Family Foundation, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the detection and mitigation of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas contributing significantly to global warming.

The Importance of Methane Detection

Methane is a major contributor to climate change, with its impact on global warming being more than 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Despite its short lifespan in the atmosphere, methane’s potency makes it a critical target for emissions reduction efforts. Addressing methane emissions is essential for achieving the drastic cuts needed to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

The Carbon Mapper Coalition’s satellite, named Tanager-1, is designed to detect methane leaks from individual facilities, such as oil refineries, landfills, and other industrial sources. These “super-emitters,” which emit more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of methane per hour, are responsible for a disproportionate share of emissions. In some sectors, these super-emitters contribute between 20% and 60% of a region’s total methane emissions.

The Technology Behind Tanager-1

Tanager-1 is equipped with advanced technology developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, enabling it to pinpoint methane leaks with unprecedented accuracy. The satellite’s sensors are designed to capture high-resolution images of methane plumes, allowing for the identification of leak sources down to individual facilities. This capability is crucial for industries that need to locate and repair leaks to reduce their environmental impact.

One of the most significant aspects of this initiative is the public availability of the data collected by Tanager-1. The Carbon Mapper Coalition plans to make the data accessible through an online portal, providing transparency and accountability for industries and governments alike. This approach not only facilitates the identification and repair of methane leaks but also encourages broader participation in emissions reduction efforts.

Expanding the Initiative

Tanager-1 is just the first in a planned series of satellites that the Carbon Mapper Coalition aims to deploy. The coalition’s ultimate goal is to launch additional satellites that, together, will have the capability to monitor up to 90% of the world’s large methane plumes on a daily basis. This comprehensive coverage is expected to provide a more complete picture of global methane emissions, filling the gaps left by current monitoring efforts.

Richard Lawrence, founder of the High Tide Foundation, emphasized the importance of this initiative in a statement: “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 deployment of Tanager-1 represents a crucial step towards closing these gaps and accelerating the global response to climate change.

A Step Forward in Climate Action

The launch of Tanager-1 is a significant achievement in the fight against climate change. By providing accurate and publicly accessible data on methane emissions, the Carbon Mapper Coalition is empowering industries, governments, and the public to take meaningful action. As additional satellites join Tanager-1 in orbit, the coalition’s ability to track and mitigate methane emissions will only grow, contributing to a more sustainable future for the planet.

The satellite launch represents not only a technological triumph but also a symbol of the increasing urgency and collaborative efforts needed to address the climate crisis. With methane emissions in the spotlight, the Carbon Mapper Coalition’s work will play a vital role in reducing one of the most potent drivers of global warming.