SAFO 26001: Airspace Management Considerations for Space Launch Activities.

Distributed by: Flight Standards

http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos___________ A SAFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. Besides the specific action recommended in a SAFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety issue named in the SAFO. This is a guidance document. Its content is not legally binding in its own right and will not be relied upon by the Department as a separate basis for affirmative enforcement action or other administrative penalty. Conformity with the guidance document is voluntary only. Nonconformity will not affect rights and obligations under existing statutes and regulations.

Subject: Airspace Management Considerations for Space Launch Activities.

Purpose: This SAFO provides information to air carriers, general aviation operators, and flightcrews on the potential impacts of space launch activities, including catastrophic failures resulting in debris fields, and associated airspace management considerations.

Background: As commercial and government space launch activities increase, it is imperative that airspace users account for potential disruptions due to launch operations. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Air Traffic Control (ATC) implements airspace restrictions and hazard mitigation measures to protect aircraft from potential hazards due to launch anomalies. Airspace Management Plans (AMP) depict Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), Aircraft Hazard Areas (AHA), and Debris Response Areas (DRA) associated with space launch and/or reentry activities.

AHAs segregate air traffic from launch and/or reentry activities, are disseminated via Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and can also be communicated as a TFR or stationary Altitude Reservation (ALTRV). The FAA issues a NOTAM to activate a DRA in U.S. airspace during unplanned catastrophic events involving falling debris. ATC will reroute aircraft to avoid the area, and maintain clear communication with pilots to ensure safety.

Note: DRAs are not issued in non-radar/oceanic airspace.

In the event of a debris−generating mishap, ATC will issue an alert broadcast to all affected aircraft informing them of the mishap, and, if known, the approximate location of the actual debris fall area. Past events have shown that when a mishap does occur, debris has fallen within or near the DRA, and pilots should exercise extreme caution near these areas.

Discussion: Operators should evaluate the impact of space launch and reentry operations on their planned flight routes and take appropriate precautionary measures, including but not limited to:

SAFOSafety Alert for Operators

U.S. Department

of Transportation

Federal Aviation

Administration

SAFO 26001

DATE: 01/08/26

Flight Standards Service

Washington, DC

Distributed by: Flight Standards

Recommended Action: Directors of Operations, Chief Pilots, Dispatch, Program Managers, Operational Control Staff, and flightcrews should ensure that the appropriate operator, pilot, and dispatch personnel are advised and trained on the impact of space launch and reentry operations and should take appropriate actions to mitigate the impact, which could significantly reduce safety.

Contact: Direct questions or comments regarding this SAFO to the FAA’s Air Transportation Division at 9-AFS-200-Correspondence@faa.gov.