U.S. Air Force Halts SpaceX Hypersonic Rocket Cargo Test Plans

According to Odaily, the U.S. Air Force has paused SpaceX's plans to test hypersonic rocket cargo from a Pacific atoll. An Air Force spokesperson stated that alternative locations for the project are being explored. The initiative aims to test a reusable rocket landing vehicle capable of delivering up to 100 tons of cargo anywhere on Earth within approximately 90 minutes. Previously, biologists and experts raised concerns that the project could endanger many seabirds nesting in the Johnston Atoll Wildlife Refuge. The Air Force had intended to conduct an environmental assessment of the project, but the release of the draft was delayed due to opposition from environmental organizations.