It has been learned that the U.S. Air Force has temporarily halted plans by SpaceX to conduct hypersonic rocket cargo tests from a Pacific Ring of Fire test site. A spokesperson for the Air Force stated that they are exploring other locations for the project. It is reported that the project will test a reusable rocket landing vehicle capable of delivering up to 100 tons of cargo anywhere on Earth within about 90 minutes.
Previously, biologists and experts have expressed concerns that the project could harm many seabirds nesting in the Johnston Atoll Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Air Force had previously indicated it would conduct an environmental assessment of the project, but this was delayed due to opposition from environmental organizations. (Liu Xu)