Study of a preliminary value-cost model of Earth Observation (EO) satellites operating in Very and Low Earth Orbit (VLEO/LEO) for the detection of methane emission

Abstract

The increase of methane emissions, as well as other greenhouse gases, is an issue to worry about. These emissions are one of the factors that cause global warming. Therefore, they should be controlled in order to decelerate the climate change. The urge for the development of new technologies for greenhouse gas monitoring is motivating the space industry to provide space-based monitoring for a global control of excessive methane sources. Although, before starting a technological development, a previous economic study has to be done. This report represents this economic study: it studies the main methane emitters, the possible costumers willing to pay, the technological requirements with its consequent costs and all the other features that have to be taken into consideration when doing an economic study. Particularly, this study is thought for a nanosatellite operating in VLEO and LEO for methane detection.