Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Methane satellites detected nearly all test leaks on clear days
A Stanford team staged 481 methane releases in the Arizona desert during satellite passes throughout 2025.
Fifteen analysis teams were asked to identify leaks without knowing when gas was flowing or how much was released.
Satellites built specifically to detect methane caught 92% to 100% of test plumes on clear days, while satellites adapted from other uses performed less well.
The team also ran 265 passes with no release to check whether the systems would report leaks that were not there.
Clouds interfered with detection, and newer AI methods produced most of the false alarms.
The dedicated systems could detect some smaller plumes, with measured rates as low as roughly 110 to 440 pounds an hour under clear skies and moderate wind.
The findings may help build confidence in satellite measurements used for policy and regulation, though the test also shows that weather and false alarms remain challenges.
A Stanford-led team found that methane satellites designed specifically to detect the gas caught 92% to 100% of test plumes on clear days.
The team staged 481 controlled methane releases during satellite passes throughout 2025 in Arizona.
Clouds interfered with detections, while the newest AI methods generated most of the false alarms.
The researchers said the results could help assess satellite measurements for policy and regulatory use.
- Who
- A Stanford team led by Adam Brandt, with lead author Frances Reuland and university colleagues.
- What
- Researchers tested satellite detection of controlled methane releases; purpose-built methane satellites detected 92% to 100% of test plumes on clear days.
- When
- Throughout 2025.
- Where
- A desert site near Casa Grande, Arizona.
- Why
- To test whether satellite images could reliably detect methane leaks of known sizes.
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- Controlled tests
- 481 methane-release tests
- Blank passes
- 265 passes with no release
- Test site
- Near Casa Grande, Arizona
- Satellites tested
- 12
- Detection rate
- 92% to 100% on clear days for satellites built specifically to detect methane
- Testing teams
- 15 teams from nine countries
What people are saying
should boost confidence in satellite measurement across a range of applications, including policy and regulatory ones.