US Air Force Suspends SpaceX Cargo Rocket Tests Amid Environmental Concerns, Musk’s 'Omelette' Remark Resurfaces
US Air Force halts SpaceX rocket cargo tests at Johnston Atoll over bird habitat concerns, with Musk's controversial 'omelette' remark resurfacing.
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The US Air Force has officially suspended its hypersonic cargo rocket tests with SpaceX at Johnston Atoll, citing environmental concerns, according to reports by military outlet Stars and Stripes and Reuters. The project aimed to test the delivery of up to 100 tons of cargo anywhere on Earth within 90 minutes using commercial rockets like those developed by SpaceX.
🌴 Why the Suspension?
The planned test site, Johnston Atoll, is part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument and serves as a critical nesting ground for 14 species of tropical seabirds. Experts and environmental groups raised alarms about the ecological risks posed by the rocket launches, which led to delays in the environmental assessment draft and, ultimately, the project’s suspension.
The Air Force has confirmed that it is now exploring alternative locations for the initiative.
🚀 About the Project
Goal: Use commercial hypersonic rockets to deliver large-scale cargo globally within 90 minutes.
Partner: SpaceX
Suspended Site: Johnston Atoll, located ~800 miles southwest of Hawaii
Reason for Suspension: Environmental impact on fragile bird habitats
🥚 Elon Musk’s ‘Omelette’ Comment Draws Fire Again
The environmental backlash surrounding SpaceX is not new. During a previous rocket launch in Boca Chica, Texas, conservationists reported destruction of nests and bird eggs, prompting a now infamous remark by Elon Musk:
“To make up for this heinous crime, I will refrain from having omelette for a week.”
The comment, meant in jest, has resurfaced amid the Johnston Atoll controversy, drawing renewed criticism from environmental groups who argue Musk trivializes ecological concerns.
📌 What’s Next?
While the future of this hypersonic cargo delivery project remains uncertain, the Air Force’s decision underscores growing scrutiny of military-tech collaborations that impact sensitive ecological zones. The Department of Defense has yet to announce a new testing site.
