Air travelers across the United States are beginning to experience the effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown as it enters its second month. Among the growing challenges, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued an emergency order restricting access to navigable airspace in an effort to reduce delays caused by staffing shortages.
Under the new rules, commercial space launches will only be allowed between 10 p.m. EST and 6 a.m. EST starting Nov. 10. The FAA stated that the measure aims to minimise airspace disruptions near key launch sites in Florida and California, including areas around major space facilities. Daytime launches will no longer be permitted until the shutdown ends.
This shutdown restriction comes at a time when launch activity is at an all time high across the United States. The new order will mainly affect companies that frequently conduct missions, especially those that rely on regular satellite deployments. One provider alone has completed more than 140 missions this year as part of efforts to expand a large satellite network in low Earth orbit. Other companies will also need to revise their launch schedules.
One mission that is expected to launch before the rule takes effect is NASA’s ESCAPADE project to Mars. The two orbiters, built by a private aerospace firm, are scheduled to lift off on Nov. 9. If the launch is delayed for any reason, the mission will not have another chance until the restrictions are lifted. Another upcoming mission, which has already experienced two scrubs this week, may also face additional delays due to the new shutdown limitations.
The shutdown has forced thousands of federal workers to stay home, while employees classified as essential are still working without pay. Once the government reopens, they will receive backpay. For NASA, nearly 15000 workers, which is about 95 percent of its workforce, are currently furloughed. In contrast, the Transportation Security Administration continues to operate with most of its staff still on duty despite the lack of pay.
The FAA’s decision highlights the growing strain on the aviation system as the shutdown continues with no clear end in sight.
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