Alternative Sites
Viable alternatives the Air Force has failed to properly evaluate
Continental U.S. Alternatives
Multiple locations in the continental United States offer comparable or superior capabilities for space surveillance while avoiding harm to sacred sites. The Air Force has dismissed these alternatives without rigorous analysis.
White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
- Existing space surveillance infrastructure
- Excellent atmospheric conditions
- High altitude location
- Federal land with no cultural conflicts
The Air Force has not provided technical analysis demonstrating this site cannot meet mission requirements.
Mount Hopkins, Arizona
- Established astronomical observatory site
- Proven atmospheric quality
- High elevation (8,585 feet)
- Existing research infrastructure
This site demonstrates comparable technical capabilities for optical space surveillance.
Cerro Pachón, Chile
- World-class astronomical site
- Southern hemisphere viewing angle
- Exceptional seeing conditions
- U.S. partnership arrangements exist
International collaboration could provide capabilities not available from Haleakalā.
Space-Based Alternatives
Advances in satellite technology offer alternatives to ground-based surveillance that the Air Force has not adequately considered. Space-based systems could provide:
- Continuous global coverage without ground site limitations
- No impact to terrestrial sacred sites or ecosystems
- Enhanced resilience against terrestrial threats
- Technological advancement consistent with modern space operations
While space-based systems may involve different cost structures, NEPA and Section 106 require the Air Force to analyze such alternatives when ground-based options would harm unique cultural resources.
What the Air Force Must Do
Federal law requires more than acknowledging alternatives exist. The Air Force must:
- Conduct technical feasibility studies of each alternative location
- Compare operational capabilities using objective metrics
- Analyze costs and benefits across all alternatives
- Document why alternatives are infeasible if that is the conclusion
- Provide this analysis for public review in a Supplemental EIS