Methane emitters on notice with monitoring satellite in orbit
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More news: Methane detection satellite MethaneSAT, also part the SpaceX Transporter-10 launch today, is now in orbit.
The monitor can quantify total methane emissions over wide areas and will help companies and regulators track emissions. It will also be able to compare emission loss rates across major oil and gas regions worldwide and performance over time.
Environmental Defense Fund president Fred Krupp said: “Cutting methane pollution from fossil fuel operations, agriculture and other sectors is the single fastest way to slow the rate of warming as we continue to decarbonize our energy systems”.
“To do that requires comprehensive data on this pollution on a global scale. MethaneSAT will show us the full scope of the opportunity by tracking emissions to their source.”
Aussie startup Space Machines' satellite launches aboard SpaceX
The news: Startup Space Machines Company has announced the launch of Australia's largest-ever private satellite, Optimus, aboard a SpaceX rocket.
The numbers: The Sydney-based company’s first Orbital Servicing Vehicle (OSV) departed at 9:05am AEDT from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket on the Transporter-10 mission.
The context: Having announced the completion of the satellite last week, Space Machines Company said the launch marks a major milestone for Australia’s sovereign space capabilities.
Following its liftoff, the satellite will prioritise reaching its orbital slot where it will then commence its full testing campaign. It is the first Australian commercial satellite capable of providing existing space infrastructure and satellites with life-extension services, inspections and assistance on-orbit.
The satellite also features new technology from fellow Australian partners Advanced Navigation, ANT61, HEO Robotics, Spiral Blue and Dandelions, plus US startup Orbit Fab and London-based Esper.
What they said: Space Machines Company CEO Rajat Kulshrestha said: “The successful launch of Optimus opens up new possibilities for how satellites are launched and operated. We believe it will transform the economics of space infrastructure".
"As the foundational asset in our architecture of servicing vehicles designed to repair, refuel, upgrade and relocate other satellites, Optimus enables us to provide services to extend satellite lifetimes, reduce space debris and sustainably scale space activities,” he said.
The sources: Space Machines Company media release, Environmental Defense Fund
