FAA loosens safety limit on aircraft flying through space debris risk zones

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has revised its safety policy to allow more aircraft to fly through airspace where falling space debris poses a higher risk of a catastrophic accident, according to the regulator's revised policy.

Previously, no more than a few thousand aircraft a year could pass through the outer portions of aircraft hazard areas, which are mapped in advance of launches and other space operations. The FAA has raised that number, accepting greater risk to commercial aircraft.

The change came four days before SpaceX listed on the Nasdaq in the largest initial public offering on record. The FAA did not publicise it.

The source does not state the new numerical limit, the size of the increase, or which launches and operators the policy covers.