US Air Force (USAF) are investigating the environmental impact assessment and testing the Rocket Cargo program, which involves the use of space rockets and capsules for rapid global delivery of goods.
Landing site layout plans:
- The Air Force plans to build two landing pads on Johnston Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.
- These sites are part of Rocket Cargo, the US Air Force program to use commercial rockets to transport cargo anywhere in the world within hours.
- Environmental examination will begin 3 March and will continue 30 days, after which the public will be able to provide their comments.
Strategic importance of Johnston Atoll:
- Johnston Atoll is chosen among other isolated locations, such as Kwajalein Atoll, Midway Island and Wake Island.
- Johnston became the best option due to its remoteness, control by the US and the ability to transport the capsules to the final consumer by sea.
- The atoll is located behind 700 nautical miles from Hawaii and has a military past, including nuclear testing, storage of chemical weapons and anti-satellite tests of the Air Force.
- WITH 2004 year it is part of a nature reserve, however, Air Force infrastructure, in particular the airfield, saved.
Technology of cargo delivery from space:
- Rocket Cargo can radically reduce delivery times compared to traditional air freight methods.
- The launch is carried out using a rocket, which launches the cargo capsule into orbit, after which the capsule returns to the atmosphere and lands.
- US Air Force contractors for this technology:
- Developers of capsules: Inversion Space, Outpost, Sierra Space, Varda Space.
- Rocket companies: SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Blue Origin.
- Test landings are scheduled for 2025 a year after obtaining environmental approval.
Source: https://spacenews.com/air-force-selects-pacific-landing-sites-to-test-space-cargo-deliveries/