Germany’s AIRMO raises €5 million to detect methane leaks from space with satellite launch planned for 2027

Germany's AIRMO has secured €5 million in seed funding to advance its groundbreaking greenhouse gas monitoring system, with a significant focus on detecting methane leaks from space. This investment marks a pivotal step for the SpaceTech startup as it prepares for its first satellite launch in 2027, aiming to provide unparalleled precision in identifying and mitigating emissions. The funding will also facilitate the expansion of AIRMO's existing airborne monitoring capabilities across various global regions. AIRMO's innovative technology combines a miniaturized Short-wave infrared (SWIR) imager with micro-LiDAR, creating the world's first active spaceborne greenhouse gas monitoring instrument. This dual-sensor approach achieves twice the accuracy of current systems, enabling the detection of methane leaks as small as a car from an altitude of 500 kilometers. The company, founded in 2022 by serial entrepreneur Daria Stepanova, has already demonstrated its capabilities through drone and aircraft-mounted systems, serving prominent energy companies like Uniper and Total. The implications of AIRMO's technology are substantial for both environmental protection and the energy sector, which incurs significant financial losses due to unreported methane leaks. By offering highly accurate, continuous monitoring, AIRMO addresses a critical transparency gap, empowering operators to precisely quantify emissions and prevent further environmental damage. This advancement aligns with broader European digital policy goals focused on leveraging technology for sustainability and fostering independent European solutions in critical sectors like SpaceTech.