Space
UK space industry licensing
The UK has built a licensing regime for launching from its own soil. For engineering firms supplying the sector, understanding that regime explains what customers will ask of them.
Not legal advice. Space licensing is specialised. The Civil Aviation Authority's own guidance is the authoritative source.
The legal framework
- The Space Industry Act 2018 regulates spaceflight activities carried out in the UK, including launch, spaceports and range control.
- The Space Industry Regulations 2021 set out the detailed requirements.
- The Outer Space Act 1986 continues to cover activities carried out overseas by UK entities, and in-orbit activities.
- The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the regulator that issues licences and oversees compliance.
The main licence types
| Licence | Who needs it |
|---|---|
| Spaceport licence | Operators of a site from which launches take place |
| Launch operator licence | Companies launching a vehicle, whether vertically or horizontally from a carrier aircraft |
| Range control licence | Those providing range services to monitor and control a launch |
| Orbital operator licence | Operators of satellites and other objects in orbit |
| Return operator licence | Operators bringing a vehicle back to the UK |
Unlicensed spaceflight activity is prohibited. Applications cover safety, security, environmental effects, insurance and liability, and the technical and financial standing of the applicant.
Vertical and horizontal launch
UK plans include both vertical launch sites in Scotland and horizontal launch, in which a carrier aircraft releases the rocket. Spaceport Cornwall hosted the first UK orbital launch attempt in January 2023, a horizontal launch that failed to reach orbit, and the operator, Virgin Orbit, ceased trading soon after. The sector continues to develop, but schedules have repeatedly moved. Suppliers should plan with that in mind.
What this means for suppliers
- Safety cases flow down. Launch operators must show that the risks of their activity are as low as reasonably practicable, which puts pressure on the evidence suppliers provide.
- Traceability is expected. Materials, serial numbers, test records and non-conformances need to be traceable for flight hardware.
- Security matters. Launch technology is often export-controlled, and operators must meet security requirements. See export controls.
- Quality systems are assumed. Aerospace quality management and first article inspection are common expectations for flight parts.
- Diversify. Given the sector's pace, space work is usually safest as part of a broader aerospace, defence and industrial customer base.
For how build and custody records can be kept end to end, see Cargovate for manufacturers.
Last reviewed 2026-09-17