- The MethaneSAT, an $88 million satellite backed by billionaire Jeff Bezos, has been lost in space after its operators lost signal on 20 June.
- Operated by the US non-profit Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the satellite launched in March 2024 to measure methane emissions in oil and gas producing regions.
- The EDF stated that the satellite lost power and is likely not recoverable, with its last known location being over Norway.
- Despite the loss, the mission provided critical insights, observing methane emission levels up to 10 times higher than reported in some areas.
- Methane emissions account for roughly one-third of human-induced temperature rises globally, and the EDF is considering another satellite launch to continue the work.
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