MethaneSAT loses contact
MethaneSAT, an Earth observation satellite, was launched in March 2024. Its mission was to measure methane emissions from oil and gas facilities as well as emissions from agricultural and natural systems.
Mission operations lost contact with MethaneSAT on 20 June 2025, and attempts to restore communication were not successful. MethaneSAT LLC, the owners of the satellite, confirmed that the satellite had lost power and recovery was unlikely. The reason for its loss is under investigation.
The satellite’s intended 5-year mission lasted for 15 months. Operational issues early in the mission meant that MethaneSAT was unable to transmit some of the vast amounts of data its sensors were able to collect. The data it has collected is freely available to view and analyse.
MethaneSAT
MethaneSAT is the world’s first satellite launched by an independent non-governmental organisation.
MethaneSAT was launched in March 2024 and collected data until the satellite lost contact in June 2025.
New Zealand’s role in MethaneSAT
New Zealand’s partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) began in 2019. EDF, a non-profit organisation, was responsible for the satellite design and build. The government’s New Zealand Space Agency contributed $32 million in funding to both technical and scientific programmes. The Bezos Earth Fund contributed US$100 million to the satellite build and launch.
A Mission Operations Control Centre (MOCC) was established at the University of Auckland’s Te Pūnaha Ātea – Auckland Space Institute. It was intended that mission control would drive the satellite and work with the science team to collect data.
However, the satellite’s launch was delayed, which in turn delayed the handover to Te Pūnaha Ātea. Further delays occurred when operation control was transferred to Blue Canyon Technologies, MethaneSAT’s manufacturers, to investigate challenges that were affecting the satellite’s operation. A new handover date was moved to late June 2025 but the satellite lost contact before this could happen.
The MOCC will continue to provide infrastructure and expertise for New Zealand’s space industry. For example, the University of Auckland launched its own satellite mission – TPA-1, a CubeSat developed by students and staff. The university also provides hands-on training in satellite operations, and the MOCC is available for future space missions.
MethaneSAT – building accurate models
MethaneSAT detects methane concentrations and sends the data back to Earth. Analysts use models to infer where the emissions are coming from and how much is being emitted.
Select here to view video transcript, jargon alerts, discussion questions and copyright information.
New Zealand’s other role with MethaneSAT was its science component – testing the satellite’s ability to map agricultural emissions. Dr Sara Mikaloff-Fletcher, MethaneSAT’s science team leader, says that the agricultural research will continue. While in orbit, MethaneSAT was able to capture 97 measurements over a range of different agricultural areas worldwide, including 13 over New Zealand. Initial data analysis shows the satellite’s observations from local agriculture targets in Aotearoa line up well with modelling and measurements obtained by sensors on airplanes. The measurements MethaneSAT obtained in its 15 months of operation provide rich datasets, which will continue to be processed and made available.
We prepared for the possibility of a critical satellite failure, among other risks, and identified alternative satellite data sources early on.
Space missions come with risk
All satellite missions face risks – for example, during lift-off and separation from the rocket, the deployment of the satellite’s components after reaching the designated orbit and the harshness of space. Once launched, the equipment needs to perform as planned – there are limits to repairs that can be done from the ground.
Dr Mikaloff-Fletcher notes that the science research component had contingency plans in place to deal with the risk. As well, data obtained from emissions maps, aircraft monitoring and ground-based observations funded by the MethaneSAT project will continue to inform our understanding of New Zealand’s methane emissions.
Clearly this is a disappointing development. As those who work in the space sector know, space is inherently challenging, and every attempt, successful or not, pushes the boundaries of what we know and what we’re capable of.
Failure and the nature of science
When we read news stories about science, it’s almost always about the successes and big breakthroughs – we don’t often hear about things going wrong. However, failure is a part of scientific research, and it’s not uncommon for scientists to experience setbacks.
Jesse Conklin at work
Scientific investigations do not just take place in laboratories. Scientists carry out their research in many places. Here, Dr Jesse Conklin is carrying out field work as part of his research into migratory birds. Jesse hoped the inflatable crane decoys would attract godwits but the godwits had other ideas!
EDF has set up an expert panel to investigate what caused the satellite to lose power and contact with its operators. The engineering team will share what it learns. Asking questions, learning from setbacks and testing new ways of doing things are key parts of the scientific process.
For a nation with ambitions to utilise space for science, technological development and commercial gain, we also have to acknowledge that failure is a part of that journey. To make the best use of our very limited resources, we must examine our processes in the fullest light of disclosure – regardless of whether the failure was technological or in our decision-making processes.
Useful links
The following articles provide additional information about the loss of the MethaneSAT satellite:
Science Media Centre: NZ-funded climate satellite likely “not recoverable” – expert reaction
Earth Sciences New Zealand (NIWA): Loss of contact with MethaneSAT satellite won’t stop agricultural emissions research
Environmental Defense Fund: MethaneSAT loses contact with satellite
The Conversation: Lost in space: MethaneSat failed just as NZ was to take over mission control – here’s what we need to know now
RNZ: Taxpayer funded satellite likely “irrecoverable” after losing contact with the ground
The Guardian: MethaneSat down: how New Zealand space ambitions fell off the radar
This RNZ article provides information from MethaneSAT about the satellite’s safe mode and thruster issues.
