Flight Limitation in the Proximity of Space Flight Operations

Section 91.143 governs flight restrictions related to space flight operations. The reg authorizes the FAA to impose TFRs to protect launch and reentry vehicle operations from the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation (FAA AST) and from NASA.

Authority: The FAA establishes a TFR for space launch and reentry operations through a NOTAM (Aircraft Hazard Area, or AHA). These TFRs apply to launches from Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg, Wallops, the new commercial launch sites, and reentry operations to recovery zones.

The expanding scope: With the rise of SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and other commercial launch providers, the FAA now issues space-flight TFRs hundreds of times per year. The TFRs vary widely in size — from compact orbital launches at Cape Canaveral to massive long-range TFRs for downrange splash-zone protection.

What's restricted: Civilian aviation operations are prohibited within the TFR for the duration of the launch/reentry window. The TFR opens and closes dynamically based on launch hold/scrub decisions — pilots cannot assume a TFR has cleared just because the published window has elapsed.

Practical impact on GA: The Florida space corridor, central Texas (Boca Chica/SpaceX Starbase), and the Pacific coast see frequent space-flight TFRs. Pilots flying in these areas must check NOTAMs the day of flight, and reroute around active TFRs. Some launches close significant en-route airspace and require IFR pilots to accept route changes.

Reference: FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation; FAA TFR portal.