MethaneSAT vs climate change: search for sources of methane from space

Almost one third of the global warming that has now been observed is said to be due to methane. The simplest of all hydrocarbons is produced in the intestines of cows and also in forests.

However, much more of it is released during the extraction of oil and gas, through leaks in pipelines and test drillings. Where exactly how much of it is released into the atmosphere can only be estimated at best.

MethaneSAT, which will be launched into space from California on March 4, aims to change precisely that. With its instruments specially designed to detect methane gas, it will be able to examine every relevant spot on Earth week after week. This should enable reliable and, above all, accurate documentation of methane emissions by the oil and gas industry for the first time.

After all, each methane molecule has eighty times more influence on climate change than CO2. This means that, despite the smaller quantities released into the environment, it is responsible for a good third of global change.

However, a comparatively short-term success can be achieved by reducing methane emissions. While CO2 would remain in the atmosphere for hundreds of years even if emissions were stopped, unless it is captured by plants or targeted leaching, methane only lasts for just under 12 years.

With decisive action against the partly unnecessary, partly unwanted emission of methane, a few small signs of improvement could be achieved before the end of the century.

In any case, the timing for the launch is perfect, although the mission has been years in the making. The development and construction of suitable instruments alone will take years. But right now, methane is at the top of the list. Because of its harmful effects and fortunately short lifespan, it is a good starting point.

The US government's "Inflation Reduction Act" is committed to a targeted reduction in methane emissions. The EU Commission only adopted rules in November 2023 to decisively reduce methane emissions in Europe. Recognizing that it is a global problem, the targets provide for a global reduction of 30 percent by 2030.

Now MethaneSAT just has to show where exactly it can be most effective.