US Air Force Launches Environmental Review for Rocket Earth to Earth Cargo Missions

The U.S. Air Force has announced the commencement of an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential impacts of constructing and operating two landing pads on Johnston Atoll. This initiative supports the Rocket Cargo program, a cutting-edge effort aimed at leveraging commercial rocket technology for rapid global cargo delivery.

Revolutionizing Military Logistics

The Rocket Cargo program, spearheaded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), seeks to harness the capabilities of large, reusable commercial rockets to transport military cargo swiftly across the globe. The objective is to deliver up to 100 tons of materiel to any location on Earth within hours, a significant enhancement over traditional airlift methods that can take days or weeks. ​

Johnston Atoll: A Strategic Choice

After assessing several remote, U.S.-controlled locations—including Kwajalein Atoll, Midway Island, and Wake Island—the Air Force identified Johnston Atoll as the optimal site for the Rocket Cargo program's testing phase. Key factors influencing this decision include the atoll's remoteness, security, accessibility by air and sea, and suitability for barge-based removal of reentry vehicles. ​

Located approximately 700 nautical miles southwest of Hawaii, Johnston Atoll has a rich military history, having served as a site for nuclear testing, missile defense operations, and chemical weapons storage. Decommissioned in 2004, the atoll is now part of the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge. ​

Environmental Assessment Process

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) filed a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register on March 3, 2025, to prepare the EA for the proposed landing pads. The assessment will analyze the potential effects of constructing and operating the pads, with plans for up to 10 reentry vehicle landings annually over a four-year period. ​

The EA process will involve collaboration with multiple federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), due to the atoll's status as a national wildlife refuge.

A draft of the assessment is expected to be available for public review in early April 2025, followed by a 30-day public comment period. ​

Advancing Rapid Global Mobility

The Rocket Cargo program represents a significant advancement in military logistics, aiming to provide rapid global mobility by utilizing commercial rocket technology. This capability could prove crucial in scenarios requiring immediate delivery of critical supplies, such as humanitarian aid or urgent military support. ​

Pending the outcomes of the environmental assessment and subsequent approvals, the Air Force plans to commence testing on Johnston Atoll later this year. These tests will be pivotal in validating the feasibility and safety of using rocket technology for rapid cargo delivery, potentially transforming the future landscape of military logistics. ​