15 July 2013
The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) — a subject of
fascination for many hams and the target of conspiracy theorists and
anti-government activists — has closed down. HAARP’s program manager, Dr James
Keeney at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, told ARRL that the sprawling
35-acre ionospheric research facility in remote Gakona, Alaska, has been
shuttered since early May.
“Currently the site is abandoned,” he said. “It comes down to money. We
don’t have any.” Keeney said no one is on site, access roads are blocked,
buildings are chained and the power turned off. HAARP’s website through the
University of Alaska no longer is available; Keeney said the program can’t
afford to pay for the service. “Everything is in secure mode,” he said, adding
that it will stay that way at least for another 4 to 6 weeks. In the meantime a
new prime contractor will be coming on board to run the government
owned-contractor operated (GOCO) facility.
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(Dino Bloise)