Google has joined forces with the team behind methane-tracking satellite spacecraft MethaneSAT to map and trace methane emissions.
The MethaneSAT satellite was designed to measure widespread methane emissions that other satellites can’t detect, spot problems where other satellites aren’t looking, and calculate total emissions, where they come from, and how they change over time.
Google will turn the data gathered by the satellite into action by providing key cloud and mapping services that will make processing, accessing and visualising MethaneSAT faster and more actionable.
The MethaneSAT team will leverage Google Cloud’s computing capabilities to process MethaneSAT’s massive data stream quickly and securely, as well as measuring, processing and posting emissions data as quickly as possible.
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The tech giant will also help MethaneSAT to improve its database of global oil and gas infrastructure, resulting in region-specific emission data that can be accurately attributed to verified facilities.
Google Earth Engines – the company’s geospatial data platform – will also be integrated into the methane satellite’s data, in a bid to provide broader access to potential users.
Google joins a long list of MethaneSAT collaborators, including Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Harvard/Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, IO Aerospace, and SpaceX.
In early March, the satellite will launch and begin orbiting the Earth 15 times a day at an altitude of over 300 miles, where it will gather refreshed imagery to stream back to Earth on a regular basis to accelerate oil and gas methane reduction efforts by countries and companies worldwide.
