
News Topical, Digital Desk : The US Air Force has suspended a proposed rocket cargo delivery program involving SpaceX over concerns the project could seriously disrupt an important seabird sanctuary in the Pacific. The Air Force has completely halted hypersonic rocket cargo tests with SpaceX.
Elon Musk took a jibe
At the same time, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, reacting to the damage caused to bird nests due to SpaceX launch, said that he would stop eating omelettes for a week "to compensate for this heinous crime".
This project was part of a US military initiative
According to Space.com, the now-stopped project was part of a US military initiative aimed at exploring the use of commercial rockets built by SpaceX to deliver up to 100 tons of military cargo anywhere in the world within 90 minutes. The concept was being tested under the Rocket Cargo program managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory.
The test was to be conducted at this lamp, which is federally protected
The proposed test site - Johnston Atoll - is a 2.5 sq km uninhabited island located about 1,300 km from Hawaii. The atoll is part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument and is federally protected as a wildlife refuge.
Biologists and conservationists had warned
Biologists and conservationists warned that the rocket landing could devastate vital nesting grounds for 14 species of tropical seabirds, including red-tailed terns, white terns and boobies. The island is one of the few remaining safe havens for these species, and any significant disruption could affect the entire breeding cycle.
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