Rendering of a ‘rocket cargo’ vehicle set to launch and deliver supplies for the U.S. military. Credit: Air Force Research Laboratory
Story by TOI Science Desk,
Published by MSN, 7 July 2025
The US Air Force has suspended a proposed hypersonic rocket cargo delivery project developed in partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, following environmental concerns raised by scientists and wildlife advocates. The project, which aimed to test rocket re-entry vehicles from Johnston Atoll, a remote US territory in the Pacific, was flagged for its potential to harm the area’s delicate bird population. Home to 14 species of tropical seabirds, the atoll is part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument and is protected under US environmental law.
Elon Musk’s rocket ambitions meet environmental pushback
Biologists and conservationists warned that rocket tests on Johnston Atoll could endanger nesting seabirds, including several protected species. The island serves as a critical breeding ground with dense colonies of birds like frigatebirds and boobies. The plan would have required landing high-speed re-entry vehicles capable of delivering 100 tons of cargo within 90 minutes — an operation considered disruptive to the fragile ecosystem. A draft environmental assessment was expected but was delayed due to backlash from environmental groups, ultimately leading to the Air Force’s decision to suspend the initiative.
A strategic vision put on hold
The rocket cargo program, part of a broader US military strategy to revolutionize logistics, aimed to use commercial rockets to rapidly deliver supplies anywhere in the world. While the Air Force had not formally confirmed SpaceX as its sole partner, Elon Musk’s company was the most likely candidate due to its experience with reusable rockets. Despite the project’s promise of logistical breakthroughs, the military is now exploring alternative test sites to avoid further environmental conflict.
SpaceX’s troubled track Record with Wildlife
This is not the first time SpaceX has come under scrutiny for environmental impact. A 2023 Starship launch in Boca Chica, Texas, caused destruction of local shorebird nests, resulting in legal challenges. Musk responded to criticism jokingly at the time but did not deny the damage caused. The recent suspension highlights growing tensions between technological ambition and ecological responsibility as space companies increasingly intersect with protected environments.
What’s next for the rocket cargo program?
According to Stars and Stripes, the US Air Force is now considering alternative locations for testing, though no specific site has been named. Officials have stated that the project remains important for the future of military mobility and supply chain resilience, especially in global conflict zones. However, any future tests will likely face stricter scrutiny from environmental regulators. For now, the seabirds of Johnston Atoll remain undisturbed, and the path forward for rocket-based military cargo remains uncertain.
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