In an unprecedented move due to the ongoing government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is imposing a nighttime-only launch window for commercial rockets. Starting Monday, launches and reentries will be permitted only between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. local time, impacting both SpaceX and Blue Origin missions scheduled in the coming days.
This drastic measure aims to alleviate pressure on the National Airspace System, which is experiencing significant strain due to staffing shortages at air traffic control centers. Thousands of air traffic controllers have been working without pay since the shutdown began in early October, leading to increased absences and a slowdown in operations nationwide. This has resulted in widespread flight delays, prompting airlines operating at 40 major U.S. airports to reduce their schedules by up to 10 percent under FAA directive.
“My department has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety,” stated Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who is also serving as acting NASA administrator. “It’s safe to fly today, and it will continue to be safe to fly next week because of the proactive actions we are taking.”
While emphasizing safety, Duffy, a frequent social media user, has consistently blamed Democrats for the shutdown’s consequences on his platforms. He recently filmed himself at airports interviewing travelers about their views on the flight reductions.
The FAA order makes this rare and unusual restriction on commercial space launches. SpaceX’s scheduled Falcon 9 mission carrying Starlink satellites is likely to be delayed until Monday evening or early Tuesday morning due to the new curfew. Blue Origin’s upcoming launch of twin Mars spacecraft for NASA, initially planned for Sunday, falls before the restrictions take effect. However, any potential delays could push it into the restricted window.
Blue Origin assured in a post on X that they are working closely with the FAA to ensure the mission’s success and maintain safety within the airspace system.
The FAA maintains the flexibility to modify or lift these restrictions if companies demonstrate “good cause” and request changes. They anticipate lifting the launch curfew and other operational limitations once government funding is restored and pressure on the air traffic control system eases.
