New Zealand’s loss of a methane-detecting satellite just days before taking over mission control is a significant setback for the country’s space research sector. The satellite, built by the US Environmental Defense Fund, was part of a $29 million mission to detect methane leaks from oil and gas production.
The satellite’s thrusters were problematic, leading to delays in the launch schedule, which had originally been set for last year. New Zealand invested heavily in the project, hoping to gain experience operating a satellite at the University of Auckland’s Te Pūnaha Ātea Space Institute and conducting research on agricultural sources of methane.
However, after launching in March 2024, the satellite lost power and contact with ground, rendering it irrecoverable. The failure raises questions about whether New Zealand should have scrutinized the satellite more closely before investing.
While some may view a spacecraft failure as unsurprising due to the unforgiving nature of space, investors like those who funded this mission are entitled to an explanation. Were experts consulted during the decision-making process? Was adequate diligence performed on behalf of taxpayers?
New Zealand has scientists and engineers working at publicly-funded universities who can contribute to future decision-making processes for taxpayer-funded space missions. The country’s limited capacity to fund space missions makes it essential to develop a more transparent funding process that supports the best ideas while giving support to unsuccessful applicants.
Failure is an inherent part of the journey to utilizing space for science, technology, and commercial gain. To make the most of its resources, New Zealand must examine its processes thoroughly – regardless of whether the failure was technological or in decision-making processes.
Source: https://theconversation.com/lost-in-space-methanesat-failed-just-as-nz-was-to-take-over-mission-control-heres-what-we-need-to-know-now-260407