How did the FAA order impact the SpaceX Transporter-15 mission?

The order forced SpaceX to postpone the Transporter-15 rideshare launch from November 11th to November 19th.

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FAA Lifts Restrictions on Commercial Launches After Government Shutdown

Q: What did the FAA order do to commercial launches?

The FAA order limited commercial launches at U.S. spaceports to between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. local time.

Q: Why did the FAA issue the order restricting launch times?

The order was prompted by rising absenteeism among air traffic controllers who had not been paid since early October due to the government shutdown.

17 Nov, 2025

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Summary

FAA canceled order that limited commercial launches to 10 pm-6 am
Order had biggest impact on SpaceX's Transporter-15 mission, now rescheduled
FAA able to grant waivers, like for Blue Origin's New Glenn launch

FAA Lifts Restrictions on Commercial Launches After Government Shutdown

In November 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted restrictions on the timing of commercial launches that were put in place due to the government shutdown's impact on airspace management.

The FAA had issued an emergency order 10 days earlier that limited commercial launches at U.S. spaceports to between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. local time. This was prompted by rising absenteeism among air traffic controllers who had not been paid since early October because of the shutdown.

However, the FAA has now canceled this order, stating that the steady decline in staffing concerns across the National Airspace System has allowed a return to normal operations. This means commercial launches can now take place at any time of day, rather than being restricted to overnight hours.