Public methane monitoring has added another layer of complexity for oil and gas operators. More and more 3rd-party monitors are being deployed, and public satellite data is becoming faster and more accessible. For operations managers and environmental engineers, this creates an additional layer of accountability for efficient operations.
While satellites can detect methane plumes, they can't capture the context. A routine maintenance event is treated the same as a fugitive methane leak. Authorized operational events appear as "disasters" on a satellite map to investors and the public due to an untimely satellite pass. It's time to align your schedule with the sky.
Today, we are launching OrbitalPath.
OrbitalPath is a tool that gives operators a "heads up" on public satellite monitoring. Using publicly available information and orbital mechanics, we provide a schedule for when methane-detection satellites will pass over your specific assets.
How OrbitalPath Works
- Input Coordinates: Click on the map, enter a street address, or enter the long/lat coordinates of your facility.
- Get the Schedule: OrbitalPath generates a calendar of upcoming overpasses by public monitoring satellites.
- Plan Accordingly: Adjust your maintenance and operational schedules to avoid the detection window.
Why This Matters for 2026
- Avoid Unnecessary Scrutiny: Routine events can appear to be massive leaks from space. With OrbitalPath, you can schedule these events to prevent authorized emissions from appearing as emission events to the public.
- Protect Your Reputation: If a satellite detects a plume, report that it has already been identified and fixed.
- Optimize Maintenance: Align your maintenance schedules with satellite overpasses.
Try it Now. Every operator should know when they are being monitored. That is why we have made the core lookup tool completely free and open. You can visit our website, find your facility, and instantly view the upcoming satellite pass schedule.
Scale Across Your Entire Workflow
Checking a single site is easy, but managing a basin is more challenging. For operators managing hundreds of assets, manually checking coordinates isn't scalable. That is why OrbitalPath is built for integration.
- Automated Alerts: Get notified when a satellite approaches any of your assets.
- Workflow Integration: Pipe satellite schedules directly into your existing operational dashboards or work-order systems.
- Fleet-Wide Coverage: Upload your entire asset list and instantly visualize coverage gaps.
To learn more about how SensorUp partners with producers and midstream partners to operationalize their data streams and use public satellite data to help schedule their operations, contact us.