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Jeff Bezos’ climate-focused satellite, MethaneSAT, has suffered a devastating blow after losing power and becoming unresponsive in orbit.

The $88 million project, designed to detect global methane emissions, was declared unrecoverable just one year after its high-profile launch aboard a SpaceX rocket.

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Power Loss Ends MethaneSAT Mission

 Backed by the Bezos Earth Fund, Google, and the New Zealand government, MethaneSAT was intended to revolutionize climate data transparency—but now stands as a cautionary tale in space-based environmental monitoring.

“The engineering team is conducting a thorough investigation into the loss of communication. This is expected to take time,” MethaneSAT operators said in a statement.

Launched in March 2024, MethaneSAT was hailed as one of the most sophisticated tools to monitor methane emissions. The emissions come from oil and gas operations around the globe.

For months, the satellite transmitted vital data, pinpointing key emissions hotspots and contributing to the scientific understanding of methane’s impact on climate change.

Advanced Satellite Now Silent

However, on June 20, 2025, ground control received its final transmission. Despite repeated attempts to re-establish contact, the satellite has remained silent, likely due to a catastrophic power failure.

“Thanks to MethaneSAT, we have gained critical insight... This capacity will be valuable to other missions,” the team emphasized, underlining the broader scientific advancements made during its brief lifespan.

Bezos’ Broader Space Ambitions

MethaneSAT was just one part of Jeff Bezos’ broader space strategy. In addition to backing this environmental mission, Bezos leads Blue Origin, a private space company that’s working alongside Amazon’s Project Kuiper to deploy over 3,200 broadband satellites. 

Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has already launched over 8,000 Starlink satellites, with more than 7,000 still in orbit.

Amazon has already signed deals with United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin for dozens of launches in support of Kuiper. It highlights growing competition in low Earth orbit (LEO), where technical resilience is as critical as innovation.

Methane Emissions Still a Key Focus

Although MethaneSAT’s mission was cut short, its impact may persist. The satellite’s data has already contributed to a better understanding of methane distribution and atmospheric science.

According to the EPA, methane emissions in the U.S. declined by 19% from 1990 to 2022, largely due to reductions in landfills and energy systems, though agricultural emissions continue to rise.

For additional context on methane’s impact, visit the greenhouse effect overview and Earth’s atmospheric structure.