MethaneSAT 'likely not recoverable' after losing contact with Earth

The Bezos-backed MethaneSAT satellite has been declared "likely not recoverable" after losing contact with controllers just over a week ago.

The satellite was launched in March 2024 and was tasked with collecting data regarding methane emissions, a gas associated with global warming. The theory was that by tracking emissions, data from the satellite could be used to ensure promises were being kept to cut back on the gas.

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) described the spacecraft as "one of the most advanced methane tracking satellites in space, measuring methane emissions in oil and gas producing regions across the world."

It's unclear what happened to the satellite, and engineers continue to investigate. However, contact was lost on June 20. On July 1, the EDF posted that the satellite had lost power and was likely gone for good.

"While this is difficult news," the organization said, "it is not the end ...