RTX Satellite Launch Aids in Global Methane Emission Reduction Efforts

Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 16 April 2024 15:43

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 11, 2024

Blue Canyon Technologies, a subsidiary of RTX and small satellite manufacturer, recently announced the successful deployment of the MethaneSAT satellite. This initiative marks the first instance a satellite funded by a nonprofit, the Environmental Defense Fund's MethaneSAT LLC, has been launched to enhance the monitoring and reduction of methane emissions, a significant contributor to global war

RTX Satellite Launch Aids in Global Methane Emission Reduction Efforts
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 11, 2024

Blue Canyon Technologies, a subsidiary of RTX and small satellite manufacturer, recently announced the successful deployment of the MethaneSAT satellite. This initiative marks the first instance a satellite funded by a nonprofit, the Environmental Defense Fund's MethaneSAT LLC, has been launched to enhance the monitoring and reduction of methane emissions, a significant contributor to global warming.

The MethaneSAT, built on Blue Canyon's Saturn-class platform, features robust power systems and advanced infrared spectrometers for detecting methane. This platform, known for its reliability and advanced navigational capabilities, supports a 200-kg payload and has seen multiple successes in prior missions.

Chris Winslett, general manager at Blue Canyon Technologies, emphasized the satellite's role in addressing climate challenges, stating, Blue Canyon Technologies' proven technical solutions will support this critical mission for the future of our planet and the continued exploration of Earth sciences.

Dr. Steven Hamburg, MethaneSAT Executive Manager and Project Lead, noted the mission's uniqueness and its potential to deliver unparalleled data. MethaneSAT is a unique and demanding mission that will provide essential data we believe no other satellite can provide, said Hamburg. His team's collaboration with Blue Canyon Technologies was key in realizing this ambitious project.

Research indicates that swiftly reducing methane emissions from sectors like fossil fuel operations and agriculture could mitigate global warming by up to 30%, making it a vital step in the broader strategy to decarbonize the energy sector. The data gathered by MethaneSAT will be instrumental in enabling policymakers and industry leaders to identify and address emissions more effectively.