AGP Executive Report

Space & Marshall Islands: NASA’s $30 million robotic rescue mission to save the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is grounded again after a last-minute launch problem. The Pegasus rocket carrying LINK was supposed to launch from the Marshall Islands, but a software/launch-vehicle issue prevented release mid-flight; no new date is set. Weather & Marianas: Typhoon Bavi is forecast to rapidly intensify as it approaches the U.S. Pacific territories. Guam and the CNMI are preparing for possible super typhoon conditions, with residents urged to act now. Maritime Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard set Port Heavy Weather Condition X-RAY for Guam and the CNMI, requiring major vessels and terminals to prepare and some non-approved ships to depart. Diplomacy: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te met Marshall Islands FM/Trade Minister Kalani Kaneko, pledging deeper cooperation on economic resilience and sectors like health, agriculture, education, women’s empowerment, and climate response. Regional Fisheries: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting concluded in Wellington, adopting a communiqué on Pacific fisheries priorities and regional cooperation. Aid Watch: An OECD report warns small island states in Asia and the Pacific face steep aid cuts, with the Marshall Islands and Micronesia singled out as highly exposed to shifts from a single major provider.

Space & Marshall Islands: NASA has indefinitely postponed its first-of-its-kind robotic rescue of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory after a last-minute Pegasus XL launch problem grounded the attempt from the Marshall Islands. The LINK spacecraft, built by Katalyst, was meant to rendezvous with Swift, grab it with robotic arms, and raise it to a safer orbit before it re-enters and burns up later this year. Foreign Affairs: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te met Marshall Islands Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Kalani R. Kaneko, reaffirming cooperation on agriculture, medicine, public health, education, women’s empowerment, and climate resilience. Aid & Health: An OECD report warns Pacific small island states face major pressure as global aid drops to the lowest level since 2014, with health funding projected to fall sharply. Weather: A tropical system tied to Invest 95W/Tropical Depression 09W is developing near the Marshall Islands, while Typhoon Bavi forms farther out and could later affect Guam and the Marianas. Maritime Security: Indian sailors report fear and uncertainty after clearing the Strait of Hormuz following months of war-linked disruption, including attacks on Marshall Islands-flagged vessels. Nuclear Legacy Advocacy: Pacific nuclear survivors and advocates urged Australia to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, marking Bikini and Mururoa anniversaries.

Space & Science: NASA’s $30 million “Swift Boost” mission launched from the Marshall Islands to save the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from burning up after rapid orbital decay. A robotic craft called LINK will rendezvous with Swift, grab it with robotic arms, and raise it to a safer orbit. Aid & Health: A new OECD report warns Pacific small island states face major pressure as global aid hits its lowest level since 2014, with projected ODA losses of 33.4% for Asia-Pacific states and steep drops in health and disease-control funding. Diplomacy: Taiwan President Lai met Marshall Islands Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Kalani R. Kaneko, reaffirming shared values and plans to deepen cooperation on agriculture, health, education, women’s empowerment, and climate response. Local Culture & Youth: The U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division Band toured Majuro, using music to reach local youth and highlight skills they can bring back to strengthen their communities. Weather Watch: Tropical disturbance Invest 95W is organizing near the Marshall Islands; forecasts keep the Marianas in focus, with residents urged to prepare for possible impacts. Media: A new regional platform, Micronesia Sun, launched to cover FSM, Palau, and the Marshall Islands.

Space Rescue From Kwajalein: NASA is preparing a first-of-its-kind robotic mission to save the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from burning up after rapid orbital decay. The LINK spacecraft, built by Katalyst Space Technologies, will launch from Kwajalein Atoll on a Pegasus XL rocket and attempt to rendezvous, grab, and boost Swift to a safer higher orbit. Weather Watch for the Marianas: Tropical disturbance Invest 95W remains near the northwestern Marshall Islands and could strengthen into a tropical depression or storm, with forecasts increasingly pointing toward the Mariana Islands late this weekend into early next week. Guam and CNMI officials say there are no watches or warnings right now, but residents should prepare. Marshall Islands in the Tuna Export Push: The Marshall Islands is taking steps toward access to the European Union market for tuna exports, with a recent EU audit focused on food safety and security. Local Tech/Community Update: Remittix has opened airdrop registration for RTX holders as it moves through a critical launch window ahead of upcoming community updates. Fisheries Trade Transparency (Neighboring Impact): Hawaii’s new ahi labeling law will require retailers to disclose where fish was caught, with some imported ahi coming from countries including the Marshall Islands.

Space & Kwajalein: NASA’s $30 million “Swift Boost” rescue mission is set to launch from Kwajalein Atoll aboard a Pegasus XL rocket, using a three-armed robot (LINK) to rendezvous with and lift the aging Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory before it re-enters the atmosphere; the first attempt was scrubbed for weather, with a new try scheduled for July 1. Tropical Weather (Marshall Islands): A slow-moving system, Invest 95W, remains near the Marshall Islands and has been upgraded to a medium chance of development, with forecasts increasingly pointing toward the Marianas (Guam to Pagan) late this weekend into early next week; officials say there are no watches or warnings yet, but residents should prepare. Fisheries & Trade (Marshall Islands): Marshall Islands fisheries regulators say they’re taking steps toward access to the European market for tuna exports, after a difficult EU audit focused on food safety and security. Shipping & Security (Regional): Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has started to pick up again after earlier disruptions tied to the Iran-U.S. shipping conflict, while some vessels reportedly “go dark” by turning off tracking to reduce risk.

Space & Science: NASA postponed its Swift Boost rescue launch from Kwajalein due to unfavorable weather, with a new attempt set for no earlier than July 1, sending Katalyst’s three-armed LINK robot to catch the sinking Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and boost it to a safer orbit. Tropical Weather: Invest 95W remains a medium chance to develop near the Marshall Islands, with forecasts increasingly hinting at possible impacts to the Marianas later this weekend into early next week; Guam and CNMI officials say no watches or warnings are in effect but urge preparedness. Fisheries & Trade: Marshall Islands Marine Resource Authority moves toward the European tuna export market after a difficult EU food-safety and security audit, with leaders saying they were given five items to respond to. Shipping & Security: Strait of Hormuz traffic is picking up again as about 24 commodity ships transited both ways, signaling renewed confidence after earlier disruptions tied to Iran-related attacks. Local Economy: Hawaii visitor spending rose in May 2026 to $1.77 billion, but average stays shortened—an update that may interest Pacific tourism watchers. Invasive Species Policy: Senators and shippers backed Guam’s invasive species fee simplification bill, aimed at speeding collection for biosecurity inspections.

Space Rescue From Kwajalein: NASA is racing to save the aging Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which is losing altitude faster due to heightened solar activity. A $30 million mission called Swift Boost will launch a three-armed robotic craft, LINK, from the Marshall Islands on a Pegasus XL rocket, aiming to rendezvous, capture, and boost Swift to a safer orbit before it drops too low later this year. Tropical Weather Watch (Invest 95W): Forecasters are tracking Invest 95W near the Marshall Islands, with a medium chance it could strengthen into a typhoon and potentially affect the Marianas early next week; CNMI and Guam officials say there are no current alerts, but residents should prepare. Shipping Security in the Region: After Iran-U.S. tensions, traffic patterns are shifting in the Strait of Hormuz, including reports of more vessels “going dark” on tracking systems to reduce attack risk. Regional Resilience & Finance: Pacific leaders met in Majuro to push work on correspondent banking access, and the Pacific Resilience Facility held its inaugural council meeting, with the Marshall Islands hosting.

Space Rescue for Marshall Islands Launch: NASA is racing to save the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from burning up after it sinks faster due to intense solar activity. The $30 million “Swift Boost” mission will launch a fridge-sized, three-armed robot (Link) from Kwajalein Atoll on an air-launched Pegasus rocket as early as Tuesday, aiming to catch Swift and raise it to a safer orbit. Tropical Weather Watch: In the Marshall Islands region, forecasters are tracking Invest 95W, upgraded to a medium chance of development; its track is still uncertain, with some models hinting at impacts around early July. Regional Finance Access: Pacific leaders met in Majuro for the inaugural Pacific Resilience Facility Council and discussed practical resilience support, while another meeting focused on strengthening correspondent banking links across the Blue Pacific. Maritime Security & Shipping Risks: Amid heightened Iran tensions, many India-bound ships are “going dark” by switching off tracking systems while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and separate reporting notes continued attacks and mine-risk warnings in the area.

Space Rescue in the Marshalls: NASA is racing to save the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from falling back to Earth, using a $30 million robotic mission led by startup Katalyst Space Technologies. The three-armed “Link” spacecraft will launch from Kwajalein Atoll on a Pegasus rocket, rendezvous with Swift, and slowly raise it to a safer orbit—potentially extending its life by at least a year, with Hubble possibly next. Regional Finance: Pacific leaders in Majuro reviewed progress on strengthening correspondent banking links, aimed at keeping Pacific countries connected to global payments and trade. Pacific Resilience Facility: The Marshall Islands hosted the inaugural Pacific Resilience Facility Council meeting, with Forum SG Baron Waqa saying the Pacific-owned fund must deliver practical results for communities. Environment & Rights: Pacific groups condemned Japan’s plans to release treated radioactive wastewater into the ocean as a breach of Pacific peoples’ right to a clean, healthy environment. Plastic Pollution Talks: Pacific voices are pushing for stronger global action on plastic pollution ahead of major negotiations in Nairobi.

Space & Science: NASA is racing to save the aging Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from burning up after it starts re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. A $30 million “Swift boost” rescue will launch a robotic three-armed craft (LINK) from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands on a Pegasus rocket, aiming to raise Swift to a safer orbit and extend its life. Regional Finance: Pacific leaders met in Majuro to push ahead on a project to strengthen correspondent banking links across the Blue Pacific, focusing on payments systems, anti-money laundering rules, and resilience for international transfers. Maritime Security: France says it will back a South Pacific coastguard network to share information, coordinate operations, and train crews to counter “predatory” illegal fishing as China expands its maritime reach. Climate Resilience: The Marshall Islands will chair the inaugural Pacific Resilience Facility Council, a Pacific-led fund meant to support community grants for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness. Sports: The Marshall Islands national soccer team is building momentum toward 2027 matches after a surge of interest following the 2025 Outrigger Challenge Cup.

Maritime Security: An Indian-flagged bulk carrier, APJ Priti 2, safely transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday carrying 65,000 MT of fertiliser, after a Qatari oil tanker was struck earlier in the week and the regional threat level was raised to “substantial,” with mine risks also flagged by the IMO. Marshall Islands Space: NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory rescue mission is set to launch no earlier than Tuesday, June 30, from Kwajalein Atoll, using a robotic “LINK” craft to grapple and boost the aging telescope’s orbit—an unprecedented attempt to save an operational satellite not built for servicing. Local Economy & Infrastructure: The Marshall Islands Ports Authority says landfill work near Katoj Park and the airport is underway to make space for a new parking lot and road realignment, tied to a new domestic terminal funded by the U.S., with an international terminal planned after the current one is demolished. Regional Finance: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine and Forum Economic Ministers pushed for practical reforms to expand financial access across the Pacific, citing weak correspondent banking links and urging coordinated regional action.

Space & Science: NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory rescue is set for launch no earlier than June 30 from Kwajalein Atoll, using a robotic “LINK” spacecraft built by Arizona’s Katalyst Space to grapple and boost the aging telescope back to safer orbit. Regional Finance: Marshall Islands Finance Minister David Paul says Pacific leaders are pushing for long-term fixes to fuel dependence and rising living costs, warning that the Iran-U.S. MoU won’t bring certainty and volatility may continue. Fuel Crisis Impact: Pacific finance talks also highlighted correspondent banking strain and the need for practical regional action as energy prices keep squeezing households and businesses. Maritime Security: Palau’s patrol boat PSS H.I. Remeliik II returned from Operation IRENSIA 2026, a Guam-based exercise strengthening law enforcement at sea with regional partners and the U.S. Coast Guard. Local Development: Majuro’s airport overhaul is underway, with U.S.-funded work for a new domestic terminal and land reclamation/parking changes near the lagoon approach. Community & Culture: A Marshallese-themed short film, “Iakwe: Hello, Goodbye,” premiered at the Bentonville Film Festival, drawing from a real-life reunion story.

Swift Boost Mission (RMI link): NASA is set to launch a robotic rescue to boost the aging Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from Kwajalein Atoll on June 30, using a LINK spacecraft to grapple and raise the satellite’s orbit after faster-than-expected orbital decay. Fuel Crisis Response (Pacific focus): At the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in Majuro, Marshall Islands Finance Minister David Paul said the Pacific must cut energy use and plan for volatility, while ministers pushed longer-term fixes beyond short-term relief. Regional Finance (inclusion): President Hilda Heine opened FEMM urging practical reforms to expand financial access, citing weak correspondent banking links and pushing digital opportunities. Maritime Security: Palau’s patrol boat PSS H.I. Remeliik II returned from Operation IRENSIA 2026 in Guam, part of a regional push against illegal fishing and transnational crime. PRF for resilience: The Marshall Islands will chair the inaugural Pacific Resilience Facility Council, backing climate adaptation and disaster preparedness with a target of US$500 million by 2026. Airport upgrade: Work is underway on a new domestic terminal and parking/road realignment at the airport, funded by the U.S. with Japan backing the future international terminal.

Space & Science: NASA is paying about $30 million to launch the Swift Boost rescue mission, using a robotic craft (LINK) to push the aging Swift Observatory back into a safer orbit—scheduled to launch from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands later this month. Regional Finance: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine urged Pacific finance ministers to speed up practical reforms on economic and financial inclusion as the region grapples with fuel-price shocks and correspondent banking decline. Fuel Crisis Response: Forum Economic Ministers wrapped up in Majuro with calls for a Pacific-led, long-term fix to imported fuel dependence, warning that future crises could hit harder than the current one. Digital Money in Action: Ministers also tested the Marshall Islands’ USDM1 digital money system and Lomalo Wallet during the FEMM, highlighting growing momentum with banks and money services. Climate Resilience Funding: The Marshall Islands will chair the inaugural Pacific Resilience Facility Council, a Pacific-led fund aimed at financing community resilience, adaptation, and disaster preparedness. Maritime Security: Palau’s patrol boat returned from Operation IRENSIA 2026, a multinational exercise focused on strengthening law enforcement at sea alongside RMI and FSM partners. Local Culture & Media: A Marshallese-themed short film, “Iakwe: Hello, Goodbye,” premiered at the Bentonville Film Festival, drawing on a real-life Marshallese family connection story.

Pacific Security: Palau’s Guardian-class patrol boat PSS H.I. Remeliik II returned from Guam after taking part in Operation IRENSIA 2026, a 13-day multinational drill to boost maritime law enforcement and readiness against illegal fishing and transnational crime. Fuel Crisis & FEMM: At the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in Majuro, Marshall Islands Finance Minister David Paul warned the region can’t assume the Iran-U.S. deal means stability, saying Pacific fuel prices will stay volatile and leaders must cut energy use and plan for the next shock. Financial Inclusion: President Hilda Heine pushed ministers to speed up financial access across the Pacific, highlighting the loss of correspondent banking links and pointing to digital tools as a way to reach remote communities. Digital Money in Action: FEMM finance ministers tested the Marshall Islands USDM1 digital money system and Lomalo Wallet during the meeting, as the region looks for practical ways to strengthen payments. Climate Finance: The Marshall Islands will chair the inaugural Pacific Resilience Facility Council, a Pacific-led fund backing grants for climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and loss-and-damage responses. Correspondent Banking: Forum officials said the correspondent banking relationship office is now fully established and starting to tackle country-specific banking challenges. Health Focus: Pacific health leaders at a regional symposium highlighted progress on cervical cancer prevention through HPV self-testing, while noting gaps in radiotherapy access. Space & Marshall Islands: NASA’s “Swift Boost” mission is set to launch from Kwajalein Atoll, using a robotic spacecraft to rendezvous with and boost the aging Swift Observatory.

Pacific Economic Ministers in Majuro: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine opened the 2026 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting, urging practical steps to expand financial access across the Pacific, as ministers confront a “triple shock” of fuel insecurity, rising import costs, and food vulnerability. Fuel crisis planning: Marshall Islands Finance Minister David Paul said leaders are pushing beyond short-term fixes toward long-term energy solutions, while also warning that uncertainty remains high even as Iran-U.S. talks continue. Banking access push: Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa said the Pacific’s correspondent banking relationship office is now fully established and working to tackle de-risking pressures. Shipping and Hormuz updates: Qatari LNG tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz as traffic recovers, and reports say 30 India-bound ships have crossed with 26 more waiting. Local education win: RMI’s special education compliance was rated meeting IDEA expectations, with officials pointing to ongoing training needs. Space link to the Marshalls: NASA’s Swift Observatory rescue mission is set to launch from the Marshall Islands on a Pegasus XL rocket.