As the federal government enters its 38th day of shutdown, its ripple effects extend far beyond typical politics, now impacting space exploration and aviation safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency order restricting commercial rocket launches during peak air traffic times, aiming to prevent additional congestion and hazards.

Additionally, the FAA is gradually reducing flights from 40 major airports nationwide, citing staffing shortages among air traffic controllers—an issue directly linked to the ongoing budget deadlock. These controllers are deemed essential workers and continue working without pay until Congress resolves the funding crisis.

Experts warn that such disruptions threaten not only commercial space endeavors but also overall transportation safety and efficiency. According to aerospace analyst Dr. Lisa Carter, “The shutdown exposes vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure, risking setbacks in innovation and safety protocols.”

With federal workers bearing the brunt initially, the shutdown’s economic impact is now spreading across industries, highlighting the urgent need for a swift political resolution to restore normal operations.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.