MethaneSAT Report: Advancing space capability and climate science

The report reviewed the mission’s origins, objectives, key decision points, governance and performance, and outlines key considerations for future space investments. The mission came to an unexpected end when the satellite, owned by MethaneSAT LLC, lost communications in late June 2025.

The report finds the mission was underpinned by a robust and well-considered setup, with decisions made through appropriate processes and was well-documented.

The technical failure of the satellite occurred in components outside of New Zealand’s control and within the bounds of accepted risk in space missions.

MethaneSAT’s most innovative element – its sensor – was found to have performed exceptionally well and delivered meaningful science data which New Zealand researchers are using.

The decision to partner internationally helped mitigate financial risk and enabled New Zealand to participate in a sophisticated mission at a fraction of the cost of sovereign development.

The report also identifies the tangible benefits the mission brought to New Zealand, highlights challenges in transparency, governance and public communication, and provides considerations for future space initiatives. These are outlined below:

• Despite the satellite’s premature failure, the establishment of a New Zealand Mission Operations Control Centre infrastructure provides ongoing benefit to the space and science sector, strengthened international scientific partnerships, and hands-on experience for researchers and students.
• Redacted OIA responses and limited visibility into operational discussions and challenges undermined public confidence. While these constraints were largely due to commercial sensitivity, protecting information supplied in confidence, and competitive dynamics, future missions should proactively manage expectations and ensure clearer communication about scope and limitations.
• Governance structures were sound but could have been more consistently resourced. The complexity of multi-party arrangements demands intensive monitoring and continuity, especially for high-value investments.

For future missions, the report recommends:

• Considerations include strengthening contractual leverage, ensuring direct relationships between key technical partners, and investing more in governance and programme management capacity. While sovereign capability remains a costly proposition, strategic international partnerships - if resourced appropriately - can continue to deliver high-impact outcomes for New Zealand’s space and climate ambitions.

Andrew Johnson, Deputy Head of the New Zealand Space Agency, says “The mission ending early has been incredibly disappointing for all involved.

“The report found there was nothing we did or didn’t do that would have changed the outcome of the mission.

“Both our internal technical advisor and as well as an external technical expert agreed that it was reasonable to rely on the robust process MLLC followed when selecting satellite suppliers.

“Despite the outcome, New Zealand has achieved progress against our goals from participating in the mission - to advance emissions science, develop national space capabilities, and strengthen international partnerships.

“MethaneSAT’s most innovative element – the sensor – performed exceptionally well and delivered meaningful science data which New Zealand researchers are using now."

“The MethaneSAT experience has strengthened our capability and provided valuable lessons for future missions.”

The report is on the below page:

Mission Operations Control Centre