FAA Issues Safety Alert on Rocket Debris Risks to U.S. Flights

Overview

• SAFO 26001 advises air carriers and general aviation to plan for launch-related disruptions, including debris hazards from anomalies.
• The FAA urges operators to review NOTAMs, carry extra fuel, prepare diversion plans, and anticipate delays or reroutes near launch corridors.
• Airspace plans may include Temporary Flight Restrictions, Aircraft Hazard Areas, and Debris Response Areas that ATC can activate during mishaps.
• The alert notes debris can fall outside designated zones and that DRAs are not issued in oceanic or non‑radar airspace.
• Launch activity has surged from 14 in 2015 to 148 in 2024, with projections of 200–400 annually by 2034, as complex prototype and large vehicles can require larger, late‑changing hazard areas.