MethaneSAT Experiences Loss of Communication
The MethaneSAT satellite, the world's first satellite launched by an independent non-governmental organization, ceased communication and lost power on June 20, 2025. The satellite, a partnership between New Zealand and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), was designed to monitor global methane emissions with high-resolution spectrometers and provide publicly accessible data.
Launched on March 4, 2024, MethaneSAT's mission experienced some technical challenges early on, including thruster troubles and shutdowns associated with solar activity. However, these issues were not officially linked to the final failure.
After losing contact, the EDF declared the satellite likely unrecoverable due to power loss. The investigation into what specifically caused the power failure is ongoing but has not yet identified a definitive cause.
Despite the failure, MethaneSAT’s mission is viewed as a scientific and technological success based on the valuable methane emission data it provided during operations. The loss has sparked discussion about the robustness of satellite missions and the allocation of responsibility for technical issues, especially since some issues were apparent soon after launch.
The RNZ article provides information about the satellite's safe mode and thruster issues. The MOCC, established at the University of Auckland's Te Pūnaha Ātea - Auckland Space Institute, has taken over operations to investigate challenges affecting the satellite's operation.
Scientific research often involves setbacks and failures. In this case, the loss of MethaneSAT does not stop agricultural emissions research, as data obtained from other sources will continue to inform our understanding of New Zealand's methane emissions. The engineering team will share what it learns from the investigation, contributing to the advancement of satellite technology and climate research.
[1] Science Media Centre, Earth Sciences New Zealand (NIWA), Environmental Defense Fund, The Conversation, RNZ, The Guardian. [2] Additional information about the loss of the MethaneSAT satellite can be found in these articles. [3] Broader methane monitoring continues via other satellites and AI-based systems, mitigating the impact of MethaneSAT’s loss on climate transparency efforts. [4] The cause of MethaneSAT's communication and power loss remains under investigation with no confirmed root cause publicly released as of mid-2025. [5] The loss has sparked discussion about the robustness of satellite missions and the allocation of responsibility for technical issues.
- The loss of MethaneSAT satellite has initiated discussions in the environmental-science industry about the robustness of future satellite missions and the allocation of responsibility for technical issues.
- While MethaneSAT's mission may have ended prematurely, the aims of monitoring global methane emissions and promoting climate-change research continue through other renewable-energy sources and AI-based systems.
- The financial implications and potential impacts on the space-and-astronomy sector due to MethaneSAT's failure are under scrutiny, highlighting the need for increased reliable funding and safety measures in satellite operations.
- The power failure caused by unknown reasons that led to MethaneSAT's communication loss is under investigation by both the MOCC at the University of Auckland's Te Pūnaha Ātea - Auckland Space Institute and the Environmental Defense Fund, with findings yet to be released.
