Insider Brief:
- Ball Aerospace has delivered the MethaneSAT satellite to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
- Scheduled for launch next month, MethaneSAT aims to revolutionize our understanding of global methane emissions.
- MethaneSAT will offer a unique combination of large-scale tracking and pinpointing emissions sources, providing regional-scale coverage with high-resolution sensors capable of identifying emissions from individual facilities.
- Image credit: Environmental Defense Fund
Ball Aerospace has delivered the MethaneSAT satellite to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This collaborative project with MethaneSAT, LLC, a division of the non-profit Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), marks a crucial step in the quest to combat methane emissions and mitigate climate change.
Scheduled for launch next month, MethaneSAT aims to revolutionize our understanding of global methane emissions, the second-largest contributor to climate warming after carbon dioxide. Unlike existing satellites, MethaneSAT, equipped with two cutting-edge spectrometers, will bridge the gap between scale and precision. While current satellites focus on either large-scale tracking or pinpointing emissions sources, MethaneSAT will offer a unique combination, providing regional-scale coverage with high-resolution sensors capable of identifying emissions from individual facilities.
Dr. Alberto Conti, Vice President and General Manager of Civil Space at Ball Aerospace emphasized the significance of MethaneSAT in shedding light on methane production sources. MethaneSAT aims to empower policymakers worldwide to establish ambitious emission reduction targets, driving efforts to capture and utilize methane effectively.
Ball Aerospace’s collaboration with EDF and MethaneSAT, LLC, has been instrumental in the mission’s development. Their joint efforts encompassed designing and building the primary scientific instrument, spacecraft integration, environmental testing, launch support, and commissioning services. Furthermore, EDF is spearheading the development of a cloud-based platform to disseminate MethaneSAT data transparently and free of charge, ensuring accessibility and openness in sharing mission operations and findings.
Dr. Steven Hamburg, the MethaneSAT mission lead and EDF Chief Scientist, underscored the satellite’s singular purpose: safeguarding the Earth’s climate. He lauded Ball Aerospace’s expertise and dedication, which have enabled the mission to achieve unparalleled precision, thus unlocking global benefits in this critical juncture.
As MethaneSAT prepares for its upcoming launch, anticipation mounts within the scientific community and environmental advocacy groups. With its innovative approach and collaborative spirit, MethaneSAT promises to be a pivotal tool in the fight against climate change, providing invaluable insights into methane emissions and guiding efforts towards a sustainable future.
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