New Satellite Series to Combat Methane Leaks Kicks Off

A coalition including NASA and backed by philanthropists like Mike Bloomberg will launch the Tanager-1 satellite to detect methane leaks. This initiative, part of the Carbon Mapper Coalition, aims to provide data through a public portal to help industries reduce emissions and combat climate change.

The Tanager-1 satellite, the first in a series by the Carbon Mapper Coalition, launches on Friday, aiming to identify methane leaks from space, thanks to NASA-developed technology. This initiative, supported by philanthropists including Mike Bloomberg, seeks to help industries reduce emissions.

The coalition, formed in 2021, includes NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Planet Labs, alongside several philanthropic foundations. Their latest satellite, Tanager-1, will detect leaks from facilities like oil refineries and landfills and make the data publicly accessible through an online portal.

Carbon Mapper plans additional launches to track up to 90% of global methane plumes daily. Identifying these sources is essential for the severe emission cuts needed to mitigate climate change impacts, with methane being significantly more potent than CO2.

(With inputs from agencies.)