US EditionFAA Says Commercial Rockets Must Launch at Night, Citing Government Shutdown
The FAA limits space launches to overnight hours starting Nov. 10 due to the government shutdown, impacting flights and Florida’s near-record 92 launches this year.
- On November 10, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered commercial launches and reentries restricted to between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. across Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and the National Airspace System.
- Amid a federal government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration said air traffic controllers working without pay prompted operational changes to ensure aircraft safety and National Airspace System efficiency.
- As Florida nears a record launch year, Blue Origin's NASA ESCAPADE mission set for Sunday and a Nov. 9 afternoon liftoff could slip into the new overnight curfew.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted that it’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking, while news outlets seek comments from commercial space companies.
- As the shutdown enters its second month, a 10% reduction in flights across 40 busiest airports signals wider transport strain.
13 Articles
13 Articles
FAA restricts commercial rocket launches indefinitely due to air traffic risks from government shutdown
The FAA hopes to alleviate some of the airline delays being caused by the government shutdown, and will restrict commercial space launches during peak air traffic hours.
FAA to restrict commercial launches during government shutdown
The Federal Aviation Administration will temporarily limit the hours that commercial space launches can take place, citing strains on the air traffic control system during the government shutdown. The post FAA to restrict commercial launches during government shutdown appeared first on SpaceNews.
US govt places curfew on all commercial space launches, re-entries. Here's why
Starting November 10, 2025, launches and re-entries will only be permitted between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am local time, effectively banning spaceflight operations during daytime hours and part of the evening.
Florida Today
USA TodayWith government shutdown impacting FAA, commercial space launches from Florida limited to overnight hours
A document released on Nov. 6 outlines restrictions to the FAA, and this includes limiting commercial space launches to overnight hours.
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