The loss of contact with the MethaneSAT satellite is a blow for everyone involved, but the associated agricultural research will continue, says the scientific lead of New Zealand’s MethaneSAT agricultural research programme, Dr Sara Mikaloff-Fletcher, Principal Scientist at Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA).
"While the loss of contact with the satellite is bad news, both in New Zealand and globally, the agricultural science programme already has a wealth of data and will continue as planned,” she says.
During its lifetime, MethaneSAT captured 97 measurements over a range of different agricultural areas worldwide, including 13 over New Zealand, providing a rich dataset.
"In addition, more than 200 agricultural targets across North America have been studied using MethaneAIR – a sister instrument flown on aircraft – and more flights are scheduled in the coming weeks,” says Dr Mikaloff-Fletcher.
“Preliminary results from MethaneAIR suggest that there are important differences between emissions from intensive farming systems like those in North America and New Zealand’s pasture-based systems. These may not be fully reflected in current emissions reporting.”
Dr Mikaloff-Fletcher says the research programme was designed with contingency plans. “We prepared for the possibility of a critical satellite failure, among other risks, and identified alternative satellite data sources early on. These include data from the European Space Agency’s TROPOMI instrument.”
New Zealand's involvement with MethaneSAT is helping build the nation's capability in satellite-based greenhouse gas monitoring.
"A primary aim of the science programme is to develop and grow New Zealand’s expertise and capability in remote sensing research – this has already happened and will continue. We’ve expanded international collaborations in remote sensing research and enabled technology transfer with other countries. By growing capability among early career scientists and PhD students, we are training a new generation of researchers in this vital field,” she says.
For more information contact:
Keith Lyons | Senior Media Advisor, NIWA
Email: keith.lyons@niwa.co.nz, Mobile: 027 3892274