SpaceX Poised for Massive Profit From Pentagon Rocket Initiative

A federal rocket program that could be massively profitable for Elon Musk’s SpaceX was quietly pushed forward by the Trump administration last month. In a notice of proposed action posted on March 3, the Air Force announced its plan to construct a testing and demonstration site on the remote Johnston Atoll—a decommissioned military atoll 700 nautical miles from Hawaii—for up to 40 test reentry vehicle landings to be conducted over four years. The program is focused on testing the feasibility of using reusable rockets to quickly transport cargo across the globe, paving the way for rapid troop deployments or sensitive equipment delivery. Public review of the plan will begin this month, according to the notice, signaling a fast-tracked effort.