$88-million-dollar satellite used for tracking methane emissions has gone dark

A multi-million-dollar satellite launched to monitor oil and gas emissions has gone dark.

The $88 million project, funded by names like Jeff Bezos, was launched early last year. Now, the Environmental Defense Fund says the device has lost all power and is likely not recoverable. Project managers say they are still looking into what went wrong.

The satellite was designed to monitor methane usage and publicly release that data. Dairy groups have long voiced concerns over devices used for methane monitoring, saying the industry is often unfairly targeted.

Related Stories
Growers are making progress with planting despite dry conditions.
House lawmakers push toward a Farm Bill vote as debate grows over E15, Prop 12, and input costs, with farmers seeking certainty and policy updates.
RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey spoke with the Texas Shrimp Association at the Port of Brownsville about the future of the USDA’s new Office of Seafood.
Rotational grazing can improve pasture use and soil health while helping control feed and drought-related risk.
March cold storage data showed generally tighter year-over-year stock levels across several key meat and dairy categories.
Spring Weather Splits Conditions Across American Farm Country

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

As part of this effort, USDA will establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical, and support operations.
Kansas row crop farmer Brad Keeler joins us to discuss drought conditions, planting decisions, input costs, and overall farmer sentiment in his region.
AFBF Economist Danny Munch joined us to discuss snowpack levels in the Colorado River Basin, water supply concerns, and the potential impact on agricultural production.
Congressman Gary Palmer of Alabama joined us to discuss federal overreach, transparency efforts, and legislative solutions impacting agriculture on this week’s Champions of Rural America.
Donald Chase of Chase Farms joined us to discuss drought conditions, planting progress, input costs, and the outlook for Georgia agriculture.
New farm bill amendment renames the 1890 National Scholars Program after Rep. David Scott, highlighting support for HBCU ag education.