U.S. Air Force Suspends Hypersonic Cargo Test with SpaceX Over Environmental Concerns at Pacific Atoll

According to a report by Stars and Stripes, the independent news outlet covering the U.S. military, the Air Force has suspended its proposed testing program on Johnston Atoll—a tiny, unincorporated U.S. territory located roughly 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) southwest of Hawaii. The move follows revelations that the project could endanger seabird populations that nest on the atoll, which lies within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.

The controversial program aimed to use commercial rockets—reportedly those developed by SpaceX—to deliver up to 100 tons of military cargo to nearly any location on Earth within 90 minutes. The technology, which mimics the speed and functionality of intercontinental ballistic missiles but for non-lethal logistics, could revolutionize the Pentagon’s ability to deploy supplies rapidly across global conflict zones or humanitarian crisis areas.

However, environmental groups and biologists raised red flags about the potential impact of rocket launches and landings on the atoll’s fragile ecosystem. Johnston Atoll, measuring just one square mile (2.6 square kilometers), is home to 14 species of tropical seabirds, many of which nest directly on the ground. Experts warned that the noise, heat, and vibrations from rocket reentry and impact could be catastrophic for the local wildlife.

A spokesperson for the Air Force confirmed to Stars and Stripes that the military is now evaluating alternative test locations. The Air Force had originally pledged to conduct an environmental assessment before moving forward, but publication of a draft version was delayed after public backlash and pushback from environmental advocacy groups.

Neither the Air Force nor SpaceX has issued official comments regarding the suspension or the status of the project, which has not yet publicly named private contractors involved.

The controversy also recalls past issues between SpaceX and conservationists. In 2024, a test launch of the Starship rocket at SpaceX’s Boca Chica site in Texas resulted in the destruction of protected shorebird nests, including those of the piping plover. The event sparked legal action and criticism from wildlife advocates. In a characteristically flippant response, Elon Musk jokingly quipped that he would avoid eating omelets for a week to make amends for the destroyed eggs.

The Johnston Atoll site, protected under U.S. federal law, is a nesting haven for species such as the red-tailed tropicbird and the white tern. Environmental experts argue that any rocket operations on the island could have lasting consequences, not only for the birds but also for the broader marine ecosystem surrounding the atoll.

By Azhar