FAA says commercial rockets must launch at night, citing government shutdown

In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, now stretching into its 38th day, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a temporary emergency order. Effective Thursday, this order prohibits commercial rocket launches during peak air traffic hours. The FAA's directive, announced by Administrator Bryan Bedford, aims to mitigate safety risks and delays caused by staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, who are working without pay during the budget impasse. Despite being classified as essential workers, these controllers remain on duty as Congress negotiates a federal budget. The ripple effects of the shutdown are increasingly impacting the wider economy, initially affecting federal employees and now extending to various sectors. With both spacecraft and aircraft sharing the same airspace, the need for precise coordination with air traffic controllers is vital to ensure that skies are clear for rocket launches and reentries. The FAA's order is designed to enhance the safety of both aircraft and the efficiency of the National Airspace System. In a statement regarding the new restrictions, the FAA noted that the air traffic control system is under significant stress due to the ongoing shutdown. "With delays and unpredictable staffing shortages leading to heightened fatigue, risks are increasing, prompting concerns about the system's capacity to handle current operations," the agency stated. Starting Monday, the FAA will allow commercial space launches exclusively between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM local time, which are considered the calmest periods for national airspace. This restriction also applies to commercial reentries, as the FAA continues to oversee all licensed launches and reentries.