FAA Imposes Daytime Launch Curfew Amidst US Government Shutdown

FAA Emergency Order on Space Launches

• ✈️ The FAA has issued an emergency order prohibiting commercial space launches and re-entries during peak daytime hours, effective November 10th, 2025.
• 🌃 Operations are restricted to overnight hours, between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. local time, to alleviate strain on the US National Airspace system.
• ⚠️ This measure is a proactive step to reduce risk due to ongoing US government shutdown and air traffic controller staffing issues.
• 🚀 Space launches require closing large airspace areas, increasing the workload for already busy air traffic controllers.

Impact on Launch Providers and Missions

• ⏳ Launch providers like SpaceX may face significant schedule impacts, especially for missions requiring specific instantaneous launch windows.
• 🛰️ Missions to the International Space Station or interplanetary missions might experience delays or require rescheduling.
• 🔧 ULA's Atlas 5 launch for the ViaSat-3 F2 mission has been scrubbed for a second time due to an issue with a liquid oxygen vent valve, with a new launch date pending.

Canadian Federal Budget and Space Capabilities

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's first federal budget includes C$182.6 million over three years for the Defense Ministry to establish space launch capabilities.
• 📈 This funding signals Canada's intent to grow its sovereign capabilities in the space sector.
• 🏢 A new defense investment agency, the DIA, will be established to overhaul and streamline Canada's defense procurement, potentially including new space assets.

Other Space Industry News

• 📊 Planet has announced an 8-figure contract renewal with an international defense and intelligence customer for high-resolution imagery.
• 🧑‍🚀 KBR has selected Craig Technologies as a subcontractor for NASA's Human Health and Performance Contract 2 (HHPC2), valued at $3.6 billion.
• 🛰️ The Space Traffic Report highlighted numerous launches in October and early November, with the world on track for over 300 launches in 2025.
• 🚀 Blue Origin is scheduled to launch its second New Glenn rocket on November 9th, carrying NASA's Escapade mission satellites, potentially before the FAA's new rules take effect.

Special Mentions

• 🎁 LEGO unveiled its first official Star Trek: The Next Generation Enterprise D model, featuring 3,600 pieces and mini-figures of the main cast, available November 28th.
• 🎧 Listeners are encouraged to check out T-Minus Deep Space for an in-depth interview on new CMMC requirements affecting those working with the Department of Defense.