T-Minus Space Daily The FAA imposes a launch curfew on space flight.
Nov 7, 2025
Alicia Siegel, a spaceflight reporter for NASASpaceflight.com, shares insights on the recent FAA emergency order banning commercial launches during peak daytime hours. She discusses the implications for launch schedules and the repeated scrubbing of ULA's Atlas 5 mission due to technical issues. They also dive into Canada's federal budget, which allocates funds to boost domestic launch capabilities. Alicia highlights recent global launch activity, including India's LVM-3 mission and SpaceX's notable launches, painting a vibrant picture of the current space traffic landscape.
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FAA Launch Curfew Forces Night-Only Flights
- The FAA issued an emergency order limiting commercial launches and reentries to 10 p.m.–6 a.m. local time to reduce daytime airspace strain during the government shutdown.
- This curfew could force trajectory-sensitive missions and major launch providers to delay or reschedule launches, disrupting schedules.
Curfew Presented As Proactive Risk Reduction
- The FAA framed the curfew as proactive risk reduction because air traffic controllers are working without pay during the shutdown.
- Closing large swaths of airspace for launches increases controller workload, worsening system strain during staffing shortages.
Atlas V Scrubbed Over Vent Valve Issue
- ULA's Atlas V launch scrubbed twice due to a recurring liquid oxygen tank vent valve issue, delaying the ViaSat-3 F2 mission.
- ULA said the team will evaluate the hardware and release a new launch date when available.