TL/DR –
SpaceX just launched the Tanager 1 satellite, aka the new hall monitor for methane, to snitch on every factory puffing too much methane (AKA the biggest climate villain) into the atmosphere. Backed by a squad that includes NASA and Bloomberg, this satellite is ready to drop receipts on polluters, giving activists the ammo to drag industries and governments into action. If you’re not already living for this climate drama, Tanager 1 is set to spill the tea with high-res imagery from the hardest-to-reach places, making sure no rogue emission escapes the spotlight.
SpaceX, the private aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, has blasted Carbon Mapper’s groundbreaking satellite into space. Launched from the Vandenberg Space Force in California on Aug. 16, Tanager 1 will track methane emissions with unmatched precision — “down to the level of individual facilities.”
Why Methane Matters
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. While it stays in the atmosphere for about 12 years compared to carbon dioxide’s centuries, it absorbs much more energy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports methane is responsible for around 30% of the current global temperature rise, with the energy sector as a major contributor.
Tanager 1 aims to fix this by delivering accurate data on methane emissions from specific sources, detecting leaks as small as 100 kilograms per hour from orbit. This could revolutionize how industries and governments handle emissions.
Tanager 1: The Methane-Tracking Game Changer
The satellite, developed by Carbon Mapper, was launched in partnership with NASA and others. Funded by organizations like Bloomberg Philanthropies, it aims to hold major polluters accountable by making data publicly available.
Activists can spotlight high emissions, urging industries and governments to act swiftly. Policymakers can use real-time insights for informed regulations, ensuring laws are based on the most accurate information.
This transparency encourages industries to proactively manage emissions, potentially reducing global methane levels.
The Tanager 1 launch showcases advancements in satellite monitoring, using active sensing tech to capture high-res images of methane plumes, crucial for hard-to-reach areas like offshore rigs and pipelines.
Tanager 1’s advanced tech ensures emissions from even the most inaccessible spots are covered.
Satellites: A Sustainable Future Step
As climate change challenges grow, Tanager 1 is a key milestone in reducing greenhouse gases. Its success could enhance our ability to combat climate change from space, as space-based monitoring becomes vital.
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Original Story at impakter.com
