MethaneSAT’s Demise Threatens Transparency in Oil and Gas Emissions

MethaneSAT was designed to revolutionize how the world tracks methane emissions, particularly from oil and gas operations. By offering free, near-real-time access to high-resolution data, the satellite aimed to empower regulators, investors, and the public to hold polluters accountable.

Its mission was clear: motivate and enable a 45% reduction in global oil and gas methane emissions by 2025 and 70% by 2030, with the ultimate goal of curbing climate change at an unprecedented pace.

Methane, while shorter-lived in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, is over 80 times more potent at trapping heat in the first two decades after release. This makes transparency in methane emissions not just a scientific concern but a critical climate imperative.

MethaneSAT’s ability to detect emissions as small as three parts per billion and to map both large and small, dispersed sources sets a new bar for environmental monitoring.

How MethaneSAT Data Changed the Conversation on Oil and Gas Pollution

During its operational period, MethaneSAT delivered revelations that upended official narratives. The satellite exposed that methane emissions from the US oil and gas sector were more than four times higher than Environmental Protection Agency estimates and that smaller, previously undetectable sources accounted for the majority of leaks.

These findings not only challenged industry-reported data but also provided actionable intelligence for regulators and environmental groups.

MethaneSAT’s partnership with Google enabled the creation of a global, publicly accessible emissions map, further democratizing access to crucial environmental information.

The data was so granular that it allowed for comparisons between companies, countries, and production basins, making it possible to track progress against climate commitments and legal obligations in near real time.

Did you know?
MethaneSAT was the first satellite mission explicitly designed to provide free, high-resolution methane emissions data to the public, aiming to cover regions responsible for over 80% of global oil and gas production. Its launch marked a turning point in the transparency of climate data and inspired new standards for environmental accountability.

The Loss of MethaneSAT Leaves a Gap in Global Climate Accountability

The abrupt loss of MethaneSAT in June 2025 leaves a significant void in the global climate monitoring landscape. No other satellite system matched its combination of precision, coverage, and commitment to free public data.

While other initiatives exist, MethaneSAT’s unique capability to detect both large point sources and small, diffuse emissions across 80% of the world’s oil and gas production zones was unmatched.

This loss threatens efforts to verify claims of emissions reductions by oil and gas producers and undermines the ability of governments and investors to enforce or incentivize climate-friendly practices.

Without MethaneSAT’s independent data, the risk grows that self-reported numbers may go unchallenged, weakening the transparency that is essential for meaningful climate action.

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Can Industry and Regulators Fill the Transparency Void Left by MethaneSAT?

With MethaneSAT offline, the burden of emissions monitoring shifts back to industry self-reporting, government inspections, and less advanced satellite systems.

While some oil and gas operators, particularly in regions like the North Sea, have made progress in reducing emissions and flaring, the overall “intensity” of pollution remains a concern, and independent verification is more critical than ever.

Regulatory agencies and environmental organizations must now rely on a patchwork of aerial surveys, ground-based sensors, and less precise satellites to track emissions.

The Environmental Defense Fund, which led the MethaneSAT project, has indicated it will continue using aircraft and other tools, but these cannot fully replicate the scale and transparency MethaneSAT provided.

MethaneSAT’s Legacy Will Influence Future Climate Innovation

Despite its premature end, MethaneSAT’s legacy is profound. The project demonstrated that high-precision, transparent emissions monitoring is both technically feasible and transformative for climate policy.

The public availability of its data set a new standard for openness in environmental science and inspired similar approaches in other monitoring initiatives.

MethaneSAT’s technology and data analytics will continue to inform future missions, and its model of free, accessible data is likely to shape the next generation of climate satellites.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the lessons learned from MethaneSAT’s brief but impactful mission will remain a touchstone for innovation and accountability.