BROOMFIELD, Colo., Feb. 7, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Ball Aerospace successfully delivered the
MethaneSAT satellite to Vandenberg Space
Force Base in Santa Barbara
County, California this week, where it is scheduled to
launch next month. The mission was developed in partnership with
MethaneSAT, LLC, part of the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund
(EDF), and it will provide groundbreaking data on the scale and
sources of global methane emissions.
Methane is an extremely potent greenhouse gas and the second
leading driver of climate warming, trailing only carbon
dioxide, according to NASA. Once on orbit, the Ball-designed
MethaneSAT instrument — composed of two advanced spectrometers —
will locate and quantify sources of methane emissions around the
world. Current satellites focus on either scale or precision,
tracking methane emissions over large geographic areas or targeting
point sources in lieu of wider coverage. MethaneSAT will fill the
gap in between, leveraging a 200km field of view to measure
emissions on a regional scale and high-resolution sensors capable
of narrowing emissions sources to a single facility.
"MethaneSAT will shine a bright light onto the sources of
methane production, providing the public with unimpeachable
scientific data about the true extent of methane emissions around
the world," said Dr. Alberto Conti,
vice president and general manager, Civil Space, Ball Aerospace.
"Our hope is that this mission will enable policymakers to
establish ambitious emission reduction targets, motivating world
leaders to enhance their efforts in capturing and effectively
utilizing this valuable natural gas."
Ball Aerospace worked closely with scientists from EDF and
MethaneSAT, LLC, to design and build the primary scientific
instrument for the mission, in addition to leading spacecraft
integration and environmental testing. Ball Aerospace will also
provide launch support and commissioning services for the mission.
EDF is developing a cloud-based platform to distribute MethaneSAT
data publicly and free of charge, allowing for total transparency
of the mission's operations and findings.
"MethaneSAT is built for one purpose: providing data to protect
the Earth's climate," said Dr. Steven
Hamburg, MethaneSAT mission lead and EDF Chief Scientist.
"The Ball team enabled us to push the envelope to achieve the
unprecedented precision required for the mission. Their talent and
dedication will help unlock global benefits at a critical
moment."
Visit the Ball Aerospace blog to view additional photos and
video of the shipping process.
Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission
focus, Ball Aerospace pioneers discoveries that enable our
customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters
most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate
weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet,
deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who
defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. Go
Beyond with Ball.® For more information, visit
www.ball.com/aerospace or connect with us on Facebook or X.
About Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL)
supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for
beverage, personal care and household products customers, as well
as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the
U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ
21,000 people worldwide and reported 2023 net sales of $14.03
billion. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect
with us on Facebook or Twitter.
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SOURCE Ball Aerospace