The U.S. Coast Guard issued hazard notices on March 16, 2024, after a hypersonic missile test conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense near Cape Canaveral. The test, part of a series by the 3rd Space Expedition Force, occurred over the Atlantic Ocean, 30 miles east of the Space Coast. The notices warned of potential risks to maritime traffic in the area during the test window. The Department of Defense did not immediately comment on the incident.
The test flight path included a trajectory over the Atlantic, with the missile reaching speeds exceeding Mach 5. The Coast Guard said the hazard notices were standard protocol for such tests, though no injuries or damage were reported. Local officials said the test was visible from parts of the Space Coast, with some residents noting a bright streak in the sky around 10:30 a.m.
The 3rd Space Expedition Force, based at Patrick Air Force Base, has conducted similar tests in recent months. The next scheduled test is set for May 2024, according to military officials. Brevard County emergency management said they received no formal alerts about the test in advance.
Coast Guard spokesman Mark Johnson said the agency coordinates with the military on such operations but does not oversee them. He added that hazard notices are typically issued 48 hours before tests to ensure safety. The test area was restricted to a 10-nautical-mile radius, though some boaters reported receiving alerts via VHF radio.
The hypersonic test comes amid increased military activity in the region, including recent launches from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. Local lawmakers have raised questions about the long-term impact of such tests on the area. 'We need transparency,' said Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Florida. 'Residents deserve to know when these tests are happening and what the risks are.'