Google, in collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), is launching MethaneSAT, a cutting-edge satellite that aims to detect methane pollution globally. The satellite, scheduled to launch in March via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, will orbit the Earth at a distance of 300 miles, circling the planet 15 times daily.
Utilizing Google’s expertise in artificial intelligence and computational power, MethaneSAT is designed to identify sources of methane gas worldwide. By analyzing extensive data from space, the satellite will pinpoint methane emission sources, particularly from oil and gas infrastructure.
With a focus on mapping methane pollution, MethaneSAT will provide crucial data accessible to researchers and policymakers through its website and Google Earth Engine. The collaboration underscores the importance of combating methane emissions from various sources such as wells, pipelines, gas appliances, landfills, and livestock.
Supported by entities like the Bezos Earth Fund and the New Zealand Space Agency, MethaneSAT represents a significant step in tracking and preventing methane leaks effectively. Google’s use of AI capabilities, similar to those in Google Maps, will allow for the creation of comprehensive global maps of pollution sources.
The satellite is expected to play a key role in providing data on global methane emissions, supporting policy-making efforts and facilitating research in addressing environmental challenges. The initiative signifies a concerted effort to combat pollution and enhance sustainability globally.
