MethaneSAT
Challenge
MethaneSAT, a subsidiary of the Environmental Defense Fund, sought to generate widespread global earned media coverage for the launch of its methane-tracking satellite in March 2024. The team needed a strategic communications plan to transcend borders and amplify the mission’s impact on reducing methane emissions from oil and gas facilities worldwide.
Solution
Sun PR executed a multi-channel strategy that included a global press release in 12 languages and targeted media outreach to top-tier journalists and trade reporters covering energy and climate across print, broadcast and radio. The team also deployed expert commentary, strategic op-eds and a social media strategy with real-time launch promotions and influencer engagement to create a true news moment for MethaneSAT.
Services
The case for reducing methane emissions to slow the warming of the planet is urgent, yet efforts have long been hindered by a lack of accurate, transparent data. MethaneSAT was built to change that — bringing global visibility to methane emissions to drive targeted, high-impact solutions. After six years of fundraising, painstaking research and development, and meticulous pre-launch tests culminated in the spring of 2024, MethaneSAT had to be sure the launch of its satellite was a moment the world couldn’t ignore.
Working closely with the EDF communications team, MethaneSAT partnered with Sun PR to communicate the global relevance of the mission, which was backed by global partners including Bezos Earth Fund, New Zealand Space Agency and The Audacious Project. Every element of the strategy was thoughtfully crafted to maximize reach, including a global press release in 12 languages, targeted outreach to key media outlets, expert commentary and strategically placed op-eds. On launch day, social media came alive with engaging content and influencer support — all part of an approach that ensured MethaneSAT’s message reached far and wide.
In the weeks leading up to and following the launch, MethaneSAT was covered in earned media over 1,000 times in top-tier print media, broadcast TV segments, national radio stories and podcast features. Coverage spanned top outlets including CNN, The New York Times, BBC and Reuters. On social media, strategic launch efforts drove over 500k organic impressions and nearly 25k engagements within a week, with exponential amplification from prominent voices, including Mike Bloomberg and TED Talks.
