Texas State is facing calls to relocate planned rocket motor and rocket fuel testing off the Edwards Aquifer’s recharge zone due to pollution concerns raised by the San Marcos River Foundation (SMRF).
Texas State announced in November 2024 that it would partner with X-Bow Systems, a defense technology company, to test rocket motors at Freeman Ranch. According to a press release from X-Bow Systems, the tests relate to projects involving the U.S. Navy and Army. Construction for the tests has not started.
“From Texas State’s perspective … it’s a good research project for the students,” Virgina Parker, executive director of SMRF said. “However we’re very concerned that this type of activity, considering the chemicals involved, could very potentially pollute the Edwards Aquifer.”
The Environmental Protection Agency linked rocket testing to ground and surface water pollution in New York and California.
“A key part of our concern [is] that there is very minimal filtration,” Parker said. “It’s a very sensitive aquifer and if other aquifers can be contaminated there’s no reason to think our aquifer can’t as well.”
According to Parker, risk of contamination is a serious issue, not only for the environment, but for water security. According to the Edwards Aquifer Authority, the Edwards Aquifer provides 2.5 million Texans with water.
“Ammonium Perchlorate and Aluminum Oxide are two of the chemicals in the pellets that fuel the test launches,” SMRF wrote in its newsletter on Feb. 18. “Both of these chemicals are very concerning with regards to water quality in the aquifer. Perchlorate persists for centuries, and if the aquifer is contaminated there will be no way to mitigate the damage.”
In a statement emailed to The Star, university spokesperson Jayme Blaschke wrote that the university and X-Bow Systems have obtained all necessary regulatory permits, such as those from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
“Both Texas State and X-Bow are committed to meeting or exceeding environmental requirements. The solid rocket motor materials used are industry standard and tightly regulated,” Blaschke wrote. “All testing is conducted under carefully controlled conditions designed to prevent contamination, runoff, or environmental damage.”
However, Parker said that meeting environmental standards does not ease her concern.
“Texas State is still not concerned … I know they point to federal regulations but considering the fact that the federal government is rolling back decades of environmental protections, that becomes less and less comforting,” Parker said.
Blaschke wrote that protecting the environment and the aquifer are key goals of Freeman Ranch and the research that occurs there. He also wrote that the testing project is designed to put environmental concerns as its highest priority.
“Any project at Freeman Ranch, including this collaboration with X-Bow, will be thoughtfully integrated to ensure our ongoing research and the surrounding environment remain protected,” Blaschke wrote. “We are committed to safeguarding our natural resources and maintaining the health and safety of our community.”
The tests will be conducted on a fixed testing pad, with no rockets planned to be launched from the site. However, SMRF raised concerns that a test could fail and launch rocket fuel and other contaminants outside of the testing zone.
Blaschke wrote that there are protocols in place to handle failed tests.
“In every aspect of this project, safety of people, protection of water resources, and preservation of the Hill Country environment guide our actions,” Blaschke wrote.
According to Blaschke, the tests will occur once every three months and will last approximately 20-30 seconds.
SMRF and Parker are not totally opposed to the rocket tests; However they will continue petitioning the university until the proposed testing location is moved. The petition has gained over 2,500 signatures.
“Should Texas State continue moving forward with this project over the aquifer? Absolutely not,” Parker said. “Texas State should absolutely move this to another location off of the Edwards Aquifer.”
X-Bow Systems did not respond to a request for comment or interview.
