Approached in October 2022 by Absolut Sensing, the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique (LMD) joined the GESat project for satellite observation and quantification of methane leaks. A consortium also including Absolut System and CS Group was formed to respond to a FRANCE 2030 call for projects.

The project involves the development by mid-2026 of a constellation of nanosatellites, a command-control center, and data processing to provide a reliable and accurate global measurement system for methane emissions at industrial sites.

LMD contributes its expertise in radiative transfer and its inversion, its knowledge of other satellite missions in the field, and its know-how in organizing calibration/validation campaigns. First, a state-of-the-art review of the various satellite missions, launched or planned, for methane leak observation was conducted. The potential contribution of GESAT mission data to various scientific studies was then examined. In addition, the LMD is developing its expertise in using AI methods to detect and quantify these leaks.