MethaneSAT - A New Observing Platform For High Resolution Measurements Of Methane and Carbon Dioxide

MethaneSAT is an imaging spectrometer being developed to make a major contribution to the goal of lowering CH4 emissions from oil and gas systems by 45% by 2025. The satellite will operate in target mode, focusing on 200 priority targets in the oil and gas value chain, as well as other priority target. It will measure total column dry mole fraction of CH4 and CO2 over a wide swath (~200 km) with high precision and fine spatial resolution. The design incorporates a high degree of flexibility in targeting applications. The project is funded by private philanthropy and managed by MethaneSAT LLC, an affiliate of the Environmental Defense Fund. All data will be publicly available, anticipated to start in 2022. This presentation at AGU is intended to introduce this forthcoming sensor to the broader scientific community.