Government Shutdown Grounds Commercial Rocket Launches Amid Air Traffic Concerns

Breaking News: Government Shutdown Sparks Emergency Order for Commercial Rocket Launches The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary emergency order Thursday, prohibiting commercial rocket launches during peak hours of air traffic due to staffing constraints caused by the ongoing government shutdown. The order, directed by FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, aims to address safety risks and delays presented by the reduced number of air traffic controllers on the job. The FAA has instructed commercial airlines to reduce domestic flights from 40 high-impact airports across the country in a phased approach, beginning Friday. This decision is part of the agency's efforts to mitigate the impact of the shutdown on air traffic control. The FAA considers air traffic controllers essential workers, who remain on the job without pay until Congress passes a federal budget and President Donald Trump signs it into law. The government shutdown, now in its 38th day, has already taken a significant toll on federal workers and is now affecting the broader economy. The FAA's emergency order is a direct response to the staffing constraints caused by the shutdown, which has resulted in a shortage of air traffic controllers. The FAA's decision to restrict commercial rocket launches and reduce domestic flights is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring public safety. The agency has emphasized that the order is temporary and will be lifted once the government shutdown is resolved. The government shutdown has been ongoing since December 21, with no clear end in sight. Congress and the White House have been unable to reach a deal on a federal budget, leading to the continued lapse in appropriations. The shutdown has already had a significant impact on federal workers, with many going without pay for weeks. As the shutdown continues, the FAA will continue to monitor air traffic control operations and adjust its response accordingly. The agency has urged commercial airlines and rocket launch companies to cooperate with the emergency order and reduce their operations to ensure public safety.