The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed temporary restrictions on commercial space launches and landings, allowing them only between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., as the ongoing government shutdown strains the nation’s air traffic control system.
According to an emergency order issued by the FAA, the measures are intended to ensure safety as reduced staffing limits the agency’s ability to monitor airspace during rocket operations.
Air traffic controllers are responsible for clearing and managing airspace along a rocket’s flight path to prevent conflicts with commercial passenger and cargo aircraft. With fewer personnel on duty, the FAA said it can no longer provide full coverage during normal hours.
“Now, with fewer air traffic controllers available, they don’t have the ability to monitor that airspace in the same manner that they would typically during a regular set of operations with a full staff,” said Don Platt, head of Florida Tech’s department of aerospace, physics and space sciences.
Platt warned that if the shutdown continues, launch operators could face additional delays, including slower processing of launch licenses and communication clearances. “[The FAA] just won’t have the staff in order to review those or if they do, then it’ll be highly delayed,” he said.
A spokesperson for United Launch Alliance (ULA) said the company “supports the FAA’s safety mission” and will coordinate with customers and range officials “to schedule our launches as soon as possible and safe.”
In addition to space launch restrictions, the FAA is also limiting passenger flights at 40 airports nationwide, including Orlando International Airport, as part of broader efforts to manage staffing shortages during the shutdown.
