# NOAA Tests In-Orbit AI Processing

NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) and Cowboy Space Corporation are using a two-year cooperative research and development agreement to test AI-enabled processing of environmental satellite data in orbit. Cowboy Space will fund, build, launch, and operate the Reason-2 satellite, while NOAA supplies an open-source AI model and historical data. The test is intended to determine whether onboard processing can reduce data-downlink requirements and accelerate weather information delivery; the launch is planned for 2027. The effort is not an open solicitation, but it signals NOAA’s interest in commercial satellite capabilities and complements other recent commercial environmental-monitoring procurements identified in the cluster.

- Cowboy Space is responsible for the satellite investment and operations, while NOAA contributes data and AI technology; companies offering compatible satellite platforms or onboard processing capabilities may find this a useful indicator of NOAA’s technical priorities.
- The cluster also includes NOAA’s September 2026 selection of 14 companies for the 10-year ProTech 2.0 Space-Based Environmental Monitoring IDIQ and approximately $67 million in awards for commercial atmospheric and ionospheric measurements, showing multiple routes for commercial providers to support weather and space-weather missions.
- Because the Reason-2 effort is a cooperative research agreement rather than an identified solicitation, contractors should distinguish this technology test from a currently open bid opportunity when planning business development.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Environment
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)

### Vendors
- Cowboy Space Corporation (CRADA participant; will fund, develop, launch, and operate the Reason-2 satellite)

### Sources
- [NOAA, Cowboy Space to Test In-Orbit Data Processing](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/noaa-cowboy-space-in-orbit-satellite-data-processing) - ExecutiveGov