Overview
- An FAA order issued Nov. 6 limits commercial launches and re-entries nationwide to 10 p.m.–6 a.m. local time, taking effect at 6 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 10.
- The agency cites unpaid air traffic controller staffing shortfalls, rising absenteeism, and fatigue as safety risks driving the action.
- The curfew is part of broader operational reductions that include cutting commercial flights by up to 10% at 40 major airports.
- Operators can request adjustments, and the FAA says it plans to roll back the restrictions once funding is restored and staffing stabilizes.
- Near-term effects include a likely reschedule for a Nov. 10 Starlink launch, a Nov. 9 New Glenn attempt proceeding only if it does not slip, and West Coast missions facing shifts unless they fit late‑night windows such as Transporter‑15 on Nov. 11.