Space Industry Act 2018 and UK Spaceports

The United Kingdom is embarked on an exciting policy objective.

Building on the already recognised satellite technology experience, it is understood that Space infrastructure is essential if the UK’s ambition of achieving 10% market share of the global Space sector is to be realised.

The Space Industry Act 2018 and UK Spaceports is a hugely significant body of law since it lays the foundations for commercial space activity in the UK.

Sub-orbital flights akin to Virgin Galactic’s planned flights in the US, will be licensed together with small satellite launches. At a stroke the proposed legislation will bring the UK into the space launch marketplace.

Understanding the legal issues which underpin Spaceport licensing and operation together with the wider growth of the commercial Space sector is key.

We advise on how the new regime will operate.