ExecutiveBiz ExecutiveBiz covers emerging companies in Washington's government contracting sector. 
Maxar Technologies' SSL subsidiary has received a contract from Environmental Defense Fund to design and define requirements for a small satellite designed to detect and monitor methane emissions from oil and gas facilities worldwide.
MethaneSAT is a small form-factor satellite that will work to provide high-resolution images to help detect and measure low- and high-emission sources in regions that constitute more than 80 percent of global production of oil and gas per week, Maxar said Thursday.
Richard White, president of SSL's government systems business, said the company will leverage its experience in spacecraft development and Maxar's space capabilities to support work on MethaneSAT, which aims to uncover insights about changes in the planet.
SSL will work with DigitalGlobe to seek technical input on MethaneSAT's payload design and assistance on the mission plan.
EDF expects to award the final satellite design and production contract this year.
