A test flight of a missile United States Army could occur this Thursday and is anticipated to pass less than 300 miles northeast of Puerto Ricoreported the Caribbean Astronomy Society (SAC).
This is the “Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon” missile, known as “Dark Eagle.”which could be launched from Cape Canaveralin Floridasometime between 12:20 pm and 4:02 pm, Puerto Rico time.
In statements to The New Daythe scientific communicator of the SAC, Eddie Irizarrysaid that “it is highly probable” that the launch attempt will take place this Thursday, due to the alert issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA, for its acronym in English).
“Every time a rocket is launched from Cape Canaveral towards Puerto Rico, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues an alert so that pilots are aware that there is a rocket flight and take precautions just in case”said.
The FAA issued an alert restricting pilots from flying in the flight path that could be carried out today. However, if it does not materialize, the launch attempt could be postponed until tomorrow, Irizarry stated.
“This alert that the FAA issued is for a flight to space from Cape Canaveral, but specifically what is known as the Space Force Station, which is an area of Cape Canaveral where flights related to the Army are mostly carried out,” he added. .
The “Dark Eagle” missile has a range of between 1,725 and 2,000 miles, and has been tested a couple of times from the island of Kauai, Hawaii, in June and August of this year, according to data provided by the SAC.
“It is very important (for people to know) that all these military tests that they do, they do them without an explosive charge because what they are testing is the fuselage and the range of this device as such. So, we can have peace of mind that, if the trajectory fails, it does not have an explosive charge or anything like that.”, he mentioned.
As part of this type of operation, according to Irizarry, some vessels are activated that are used to monitor the launches, “in case any waste falls into the sea” that could cause pollution.
One of the ships, called “North Start Responder”, is located northeast of Puerto Rico, precisely in the area where the test flight would end. Irizarry said the ship left the port of Ponce and is currently northeast of San Martín Island.
The SAC explained, in a press release, that it is anticipated that, after passing near our area, the missile would be descending over Atlantic waters several hundred miles further east of the island and the Antilles.
In this context, Irizarry pointed out that, although the chances of it being visible from the island could be low, it is something that cannot be ruled out.
“The possibility that it could be seen is still uncertain because it is the first time they have launched a missile like this near our area. So, as for the possibility of it being seen, I would say that, since it is not going to happen so close, We understand that the chances of it being seen are low, but even so, it cannot be ruled out. If it is visible, it would be looking towards the northern and northeastern horizon,” Irizarry mentioned.
According to the SAC, an official publication of the United States Congress, in fact, confirms that the test of this missile would be carried out in December 2024.
“The tests that were carried out recently were from Hawaii, but as far as we are aware, and in recent times, it is the first time that a missile has been tested passing somewhat close to Puerto Rico,” he concluded.