There is a new way for the planet’s methane and carbon dioxide emissions to be measured: from space.
Last Friday, the satellite Tanager-1 was launched into the atmosphere from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Using technology from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the satellite will be able to pinpoint methane and carbon dioxide emissions within 50 meters (164 feet) of the source. It will do this by scanning approximately 50,000 square miles of the Earth’s surface each day, capturing hundreds of reflected light wavelengths.
Substances in the atmosphere like carbon dioxide and methane absorb specific wavelengths of light. This creates light patterns that can be used to locate areas of significant gas emissions; the emissions can then be measured.
Tanager-1 was developed by a publicly funded collaboration among private entities that spearheaded by the nonprofit organization Carbon Mapper. The company says it plans to eventually deploy more than 10 satellites to observe over 90% of major emissions sources worldwide. Tanger-1 and a second satellite in the works were reported to cost a combined $130 million.
This initial satellite will be focused on tracking methane “super emitters” such as oil and gas wells, landfills, industrial refineries, and large livestock operations. Once the first data is ready in a few months, it will be publicly available on the Carbon Mapper website.
The satellite will move in low-Earth orbit a few hundred miles above the surface. It will not be able to provide a constant watch of emissions because of the path it will take to move around the planet. Still, Carbon Mapper says the data collected could assist with government efforts to hold large atmospheric polluters accountable.
Another nonprofit, the Environmental Defense Fund, launched a similar satellite in March that reportedly cost $88 million. That’s significantly cheaper than the $500 million price tag that comes with most satellites that measure all types of atmospheric contents, so the companies that invest in these methane trackers believe it will be easier to scale up their use.
