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

WELLINGTON: A satellite supported by Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos, designed for a crucial climate change mission, has been lost in space, according to New Zealand officials on Wednesday.

The MethaneSAT space probe, intended to measure greenhouse gas emissions with "unprecedented resolution," also received funding from Wellington and the US-based Environmental Defense Fund.

Beset by technical issues, the satellite recently ceased communication with its controllers on Earth.

"Clearly, this is a disappointing development," stated Andrew Johnson, a senior official at the New Zealand Space Agency. "Those in the space sector understand that space is inherently challenging. Every endeavor, regardless of its outcome, expands our knowledge and capabilities."

The Environmental Defense Fund, which spearheaded the project, acknowledged the "difficult news" but affirmed their commitment to methane-tracking efforts.

MethaneSAT aimed to measure emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Obtaining precise estimates of methane emissions from oil and gas projects worldwide has proven challenging.

"It was among the most advanced methane tracking satellites in space, measuring methane emissions in oil and gas producing regions globally," the MethaneSAT team emphasized.

Initial Data Deemed 'Remarkable'

Project leader Steven Hamburg described the initial data gathered by the satellite as "remarkable."

"Recent measurements in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico indicated emissions three to five times higher than estimates from the US Environmental Protection Agency. Observations in the South Caspian region showed emissions over 10 times higher than reported," Hamburg noted on LinkedIn.

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 a statement from the MethaneSAT team.

'Not Recoverable'

This week, on Monday, the team confirmed the satellite had lost all power and was "likely not recoverable."

"The engineering team is undertaking a thorough investigation into the loss of communication," MethaneSAT stated. "This process will take time, and we will share our findings."

Despite its abbreviated lifespan, MethaneSAT lauded 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 failure followed a series of technical issues, including repeated, unprompted entries into sleep mode that required lengthy resets by engineers. Additionally, one of its three thrusters malfunctioned.