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FAA Lifts Launch Restrictions, SpaceX Resumes Normal Operations

11/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted restrictions on launch times, enabling Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and others to resume normal operations.
The FAA announced on November 17 that the restrictions ended due to improved staffing levels since the government shutdown.
SpaceX had already conducted four after-hours missions during the restriction period, including three Starlink launches.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s ESCAPADE Mars mission received exemptions to launch during the day.

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Story summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted restrictions on launch times, enabling Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) and others to resume normal operations.
The FAA announced on November 17 that the restrictions ended due to improved staffing levels since the government shutdown.
SpaceX had already conducted four after-hours missions during the restriction period, including three Starlink launches.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s ESCAPADE Mars mission received exemptions to launch during the day.