The Defense Threat Reduction Agency has just canceled the proposed Divine Strake experiment, which would have involved a large-scale, open air “mushroom cloud” detonation of a common blasting agent over an existing tunnel at the Nevada Test Site, about 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The announcement itself last spring of the proposed test raised a robust cloud of protest and a lawsuit. In a Feb. 22 statement, DTRA chief James Tegnelia said, “I have become convinced that it’s time to look at alternative methods that obviate the need for this type large-scale test,” which was to provide data on defeating hardened underground targets. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said in a statement that Utah citizens “can rest easier tonight knowing the government listened.”
A Golden Dome task force established under U.S. Northern Command earlier this year has a broad remit, which includes fielding the capability to defend the U.S. against missile and drone attacks, its leaders said this week. Some of the primary focuses right now are ensuring Golden Dome can defend itself…