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Crucial MethaneSAT Satellite Lost in Communication Failure

7/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The MethaneSAT satellite, a crucial tool in tracking global methane emissions, suffered a devastating power and communication failure on June 20, 2023, leaving it likely unrecoverable. This $88 million project, backed by New Zealand and the Bezos Earth Fund, had made significant strides in identifying methane sources for over a year. Investigations into the cause of the loss are currently underway.

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Story summary

The MethaneSAT satellite, a crucial tool in tracking global methane emissions, suffered a devastating power and communication failure on June 20, 2023, leaving it likely unrecoverable. This $88 million project, backed by New Zealand and the Bezos Earth Fund, had made significant strides in identifying methane sources for over a year. Investigations into the cause of the loss are currently underway.