California Launches Methane-Tracking Satellite

In a groundbreaking move, California has launched its own satellite to track methane emissions. The Tanager-1 satellite, developed by the Carbon Mapper Coalition, took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base August 16th, 2024.

This initiative, stemming from a promise made by former Governor Jerry Brown in 2018, aims to detect and quantify methane super-emitters with unprecedented precision. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in warming the planet in the short term.

Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the satellite’s importance in holding polluters accountable. The project, backed by a $100 million state investment, could potentially track up to 40% of global methane emissions.

This satellite launch marks a significant step in California’s climate action plan, providing regulators with a powerful tool to identify and address methane leaks quickly. The data collected will be crucial for enforcing environmental regulations and accelerating global efforts to combat climate change.