The Demise of MethaneSat: New Zealand's Space Ambitions in Jeopardy

In a significant setback for New Zealand's burgeoning space sector, the MethaneSat satellite, designed to monitor methane emissions from oil and gas production, lost contact with ground control after only 15 months in orbit. The satellite was poised to mark a critical milestone for New Zealand's first publicly funded space mission; however, its abrupt failure has cast a shadow over the nation's aspirations in the field of space exploration.

The MethaneSat, a collaboration between the New Zealand government, the U.S. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), and several philanthropic organizations, including the Bezos Earth Fund, was launched in March 2024 with an investment of NZ$29 million from the New Zealand government. Its primary aim was to detect and report methane leaks, a potent greenhouse gas that accounts for nearly half of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from agriculture and livestock.

Dr. Sara Mikaloff-Fletcher, the lead scientist for New Zealand’s portion of the mission, described the loss of the satellite as a devastating blow. "It felt like the air had been sucked from my lungs," she said, reflecting on the moment the satellite ceased communications just days before New Zealand was set to take operational control. The project was expected to last three to five years, providing valuable data to combat climate change.

The satellite's operational challenges began almost immediately, with delays stemming from technical difficulties including entering safe mode due to intense solar activity and issues with its thrusters. By June 20, 2025, when contact was lost, New Zealand's investment in the project had escalated to NZ$32 million, encompassing additional funding for operational capability.

Andrew Johnson, deputy head of the New Zealand Space Agency, acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the satellite's failure but emphasized the experience gained throughout the project. "This mission has undoubtedly strengthened New Zealand's expertise and capability within the space sector, and the mission control center will continue to serve as a vital training facility for future endeavors," Johnson stated.

However, not all experts share this optimistic view. Richard Easther, a physicist at the University of Auckland, criticized the decision to invest in MethaneSat. He pointed out that the project had consistently failed to adhere to its schedule, arguing that the spacecraft's design was not sufficiently robust at the time of investment. "The design was not as well defined as it should have been, and certain components were untested in space," Easther remarked.

In contrast, Steve Hamburg, the mission lead and chief scientist for EDF, defended the project’s ambition, stating that the team comprised some of the most experienced professionals in the space industry. "The technological aspirations were indeed high, and we had no reason to doubt the capabilities of our partners," he asserted, while admitting that the cause of the satellite's loss of contact remains under investigation.

Despite the setback, Mikaloff-Fletcher remains hopeful. She noted that preliminary data collected by MethaneSat aligns well with existing models and aircraft-borne measurements, suggesting that the satellite's data will still contribute to understanding agricultural emissions in New Zealand. "The satellite's life may be shorter than planned, but we will continue to utilize the data we have to inform future agricultural practices," she added.

The MethaneSat incident serves as a cautionary tale regarding the complexities and risks associated with space missions, particularly for nations like New Zealand, which are still developing their capabilities in this field. The lessons learned from this experience will be crucial as New Zealand seeks to enhance its position in the global space industry and tackle the pressing challenges of climate change. The future of New Zealand's space ambitions remains uncertain, but the commitment to progress and innovation in this sector appears undeterred.