From Nasdaq, Inc.:

Alphabet Inc.’s Google and the Environmental Defense Fund team up to launch MethaneSAT, a satellite aimed at identifying methane gas sources globally. Scheduled to launch in March via SpaceX Falcon 9, the satellite will circle the Earth 15 times a day at a distance of 300 miles.

The collaboration utilizes Google’s AI and computational power to map methane pollution and oil and gas infrastructure from space. This data will be used to create a comprehensive global map of pollution sources accessible to researchers and policymakers through MethaneSAT’s website and Google Earth Engine.

Methane leaks from various sources contribute significantly to pollution. The initiative is backed by prominent entities like the Bezos Earth Fund and the New Zealand Space Agency, and is expected to provide vital data on global methane emissions for research and policy-making efforts.

Google’s involvement in creating detailed maps of methane pollution and fossil fuel infrastructure signifies a significant step in combating emissions. By leveraging AI capabilities similar to those used in Google Maps, the company intends to track and prevent methane leaks effectively.



Read more: Google Partners With EDF To Launch MethaneSAT To Map Methane Pollution