Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Acknowledged
Convene regulatory bodies to streamline space launch licensing through consistent information and parallel processes
Recommendation
Following the initial launch attempt, it is clear that there are streamlining improvements that should be made to ensure that the regulatory processes leading up to launch are best aligned. The Government should convene all of the regulatory bodies involved with licencing and ensure that: • There is consistency in the information required of applicants by regulatory bodies in the licencing process. A central portal should be used, rather than the applicant having to repeat the same information, in different formats, to multiple organisations. • Wherever possible, regulatory processes should be conducted in parallel rather than sequentially to minimise the time taken to issue a licence. • The Department with responsibility for Space (the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) should establish a lead body to convene the different regulatory organisations to ensure communication is effective and clear and to reduce the need for applicants to address different bodies in different ways. (Paragraph 27) UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure: reviewing the licencing regime for launch 19
Government Response Summary
The government is undertaking targeted reviews of the space sector regulatory environment to incorporate lessons learned from the first UK launch, and the UK Space Agency has begun implementing changes based on identified lessons, with a summary to be published soon.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government is undertaking a series of targeted reviews of the space sector regulatory environment to ensure it remains able to deliver our strategic goals in growth, sustainability, innovation and accessibility. These reviews will take account of lessons identified following the introduction of the Space Industries Act, the establishment of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as the independent regulator, experiences of the first launch from UK soil and our strong demonstration of leadership in space sustainability on the world stage. The scope of these reviews is likely to include assessing stakeholder views of the regulatory apparatus of government. Following the UK’s first launch from Spaceport Cornwall earlier this year, the UK Space Agency has drawn together key lessons and begun implementing changes to support future UK launches. A summary of lessons learnt will be published shortly.