The U.S. Air Force has dropped its plan to test hypersonic rocket cargo deliveries using SpaceX at Johnston Atoll following environmental concerns.
The U.S. Air Force has dropped its plan to test hypersonic rocket cargo deliveries using SpaceX at Johnston Atoll following environmental concerns. The decision came after Reuters reported that the Pacific-based project could endanger seabirds nesting on the atoll.
Although the Air Force initially promised an environmental review, a spokesperson told Stars and Stripes the service is now seeking alternative locations. Over 3,800 people had signed a petition opposing the plan.
The proposed program aimed to deliver up to 100 tons of cargo anywhere on Earth within 90 minutes using commercial rockets, potentially including SpaceX vehicles. No official partners have been confirmed.
The Air Force emphasized that “current military modes of transportation require days to weeks of planning and logistics to provide material to distant locations at the time and place of need.”
Johnston Atoll is a closed U.S. territory 800 miles from Hawaii and a designated National Wildlife Refuge home to 14 tropical bird species.