Sally Schultz, a single mother, found hope in Rio Rancho Estates, New Mexico, after purchasing affordable land to build a stable life for her family. However, her peace was disrupted when Castelion, a defense tech startup, began constructing a massive hypersonic missile manufacturing facility nearby. This development has raised safety concerns among residents, as the site is close to many homes, including Schultz’s. Castelion, valued at $13 billion, has secured significant military contracts but has not addressed crucial safety questions, leaving locals worried about potential hazards. The situation highlights the tension between technological advancement and community safety.
QUESTION: How might the presence of a large defense manufacturing facility near residential areas impact the community’s sense of security and well-being?
A New Mexico Community Was a Place to Build a Life. Then a Hypersonic Missile Factory Showed Up
