US government shutdown forces FAA to restrict rocket launches
Starting November 10, 2025, the FAA is restricting all US commercial rocket launches to nighttime hours.
This move aims to reduce airspace risks caused by airport staffing shortages during the ongoing government shutdown.
The curfew mainly affects commercial launches from Florida's Space Coast and California's Vandenberg, where key staff are still working without pay.
Major schedule changes for Vandenberg missions
Most California launches this year happened during the day, so Vandenberg missions now need big schedule changes.
SpaceX, which has already launched over 140 rockets in 2025, will have to shift many Starlink missions into late-night slots.
Other companies like United Launch Alliance are also scrambling to adapt.
NASA and ULA launches at risk
NASA's ESCAPADE Mars mission is set for a November 9 afternoon launch—if it slips even a day, it'll be postponed indefinitely under the new rules.
United Launch Alliance's ViaSat-3 F2 satellite launch is also squeezed for time after recent delays.
The new restrictions will require SpaceX to adjust its Starlink launch schedule from Florida and California.