California · Regional Lead · 2026-10-20
San Carlos satellite company joins NOAA orbital-processing research
Cowboy Space will fund and operate a planned 2027 test satellite under a two-year agreement.
NOAA announced a two-year research agreement October 20 with Cowboy Space Corporation, a satellite company based in San Carlos, California. The project will test processing environmental observations in orbit before transmitting selected results to Earth.
The company will fund, build, launch and operate Reason-2, scheduled for 2027. NOAA will supply an existing open-source model and historical raw data from its Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite.
The California connection is the participating company’s location. The announcement does not establish a new local factory, a completed launch or demonstrated improvements to forecasts. The partners will evaluate data quality and the approach’s possible future use.
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World · 2026-10-27
Commission proposes larger Frontex corps and expanded crisis-response role
The October 27 proposals require agreement by the European Parliament and Council before becoming final rules.
The European Commission proposed a broader mandate for Frontex on October 27, seeking additional border-management resources and a larger role in coordinating returns. The package also includes a proposed regulation to digitize return, readmission and reintegration procedures across the European Union.
The Commission proposes gradually increasing the standing corps to 30,000 officers. Its outline combines more agency officers with a new reserve and existing personnel seconded by member states. The proposal also seeks easier access to equipment, including joint purchasing arrangements and digital tools.
Read articleEnvironment · 2026-10-27
EU Commission presents climate-resilience framework and risk-planning tools
The October 27 package emphasizes preparation for climate impacts alongside the bloc’s emissions-reduction objective.
The European Commission presented a climate-resilience framework on October 27, including a proposed European climate-resilience law. The initiative seeks a more consistent approach to assessing climate risks and preparing public authorities, businesses and communities before disasters disrupt essential services and infrastructure.
The Commission highlights three supporting resources: a European Climate Viewer, a navigator of climate-resilience tools and an explorer of adaptation solutions. These are intended to help users understand regional warming, find relevant tools and learn from measures developed through the EU’s adaptation mission.
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