California Launches Second Satellite to Monitor Methane Emissions

California launched its second satellite designed to detect methane emissions on October 1, 2026, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc. The satellite, part of a project by the Pasadena-based nonprofit Carbon Mapper, will enhance the state's ability to monitor climate-impacting methane plumes. Lindsay Buckley, spokesperson for the California Air Resources Board (CARB), stated that the satellite will allow for more frequent observations at various locations. Methane, which is emitted from sources such as landfills and oil and gas operations, is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping heat at approximately 80 times the rate of carbon dioxide over a decade. California aims to reduce its methane emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, with landfills accounting for about 41% of the state's methane pollution. Carbon Mapper's first satellite, Tanager-1, was launched in August 2024, and the new satellite, Tanager-2, is designed to provide data on methane emissions with a precision of 50 meters. Since receiving data from Tanager-1, CARB has addressed at least 18 significant methane leaks, preventing over 142,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Carbon Mapper plans to launch two additional satellites next year and currently collaborates with 11 other states to monitor methane emissions. The Tanager-2 satellite will improve the frequency of observations, potentially allowing multiple daily assessments of the same area once a full constellation of satellites is operational.