Seventh Report - UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure: reviewing the licencing regime for launch

The evidence that we have taken indicated that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) got off to a slow start with implementing the spaceflight regulations. Some people in the launch sector reported that their engagement with the CAA was more cumbersome than they would have wished. However, it is clear that during the past year, the CAA has taken steps to expand its team dedicated to space launch and to improve its engagement with licence applicants. We are pleased to hear that the regulatory experiences of the UK launch sector are moving in a positive direction, and we encourage the CAA to continue this trajectory. However, more can be done to streamline the regulatory process to help ensure that the UK launch sector can reach its full potential. As the spaceflight regulations were put in place before any implementation could take place, there is now a need for the regulations and their implementation to date to be reviewed. We are encouraged to hear that the Government does intend to conduct this review, but recommend that it does so at pace, publishing the outcomes of the review and the planned improvements to the regulatory process by September 2023. Focus should be placed on streamlining the process and improving the experience for both licence applicants and the CAA, whilst maintaining the best safety standards.

It is clear from the evidence that we have taken that more certainty around licencing timelines could bring benefits to the UK launch sector, through providing a signal that the UK is ready and open for business. Throughout the licencing process the Civil Aviation Authority should seek to keep licence applicants informed about the progress of their application and likely timelines for receiving their licences. Where possible, it would be optimal for the CAA and the applicant to agree a timetable for licencing.

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

Due to the complex nature of conducting launches from the UK, where many countries’ airspace is involved, it is not surprising to hear that this has been a challenge for both launch companies and the Civil Aviation Authority. The Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority should continue their work to create ongoing agreements with the necessary nations on the use of the airspace to ensure that this process proceeds more smoothly in the future. (Paragraph 30) Supporting the UK launch industry

We are pleased to see the progress being made at spaceports across the country and with the pace at which SaxaVord Spaceport, which has been almost entirely privately funded, is developing. SaxaVord Spaceport is now likely to be the first spaceport ready for vertical orbital launch activities. International experience shows that spaceports usually require ongoing support from government. The Government should address how it intends to support the UK launch sector during the years ahead. It should set out, in response to this Report, whether it will provide ongoing financial support and in what form that support will take.

Whilst we welcome the progress being made on the creation of the National Space Council, we are disappointed that it was only after our questioning on the topic that the Government confirmed that the group would be established. The UK space and satellite sector is much more than a “nascent and emerging” sector (in the words of the Minister) and it urgently needs clear and strong organisation in Government to match its current importance as well as its future strengths.

The establishment of the Space Sector Industry Forum provides an opportunity for the Government to take advice from space and satellite sector experts. The Government should appoint a leader from the sector to ensure the success of this Forum by the end of 2023, in the same manner as when Simon Bowen was appointed to lead the establishment of Great British Nuclear.

The Government continues to delay key decisions that need to be made about the UK’s critical Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities. It has long promised to update its PNT strategy but work on this topic has been passed between departments and teams and is yet to amount to any meaningful plan. This demonstrates how the disjointed approach to leadership of the UK’s space and satellite sector is hampering progress on important matters. The Government should not delay the publication of its Position, Navigation and Timing Strategy any further. The strategy should be published alongside its response to this Report. (Paragraph 42) 20 UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure: reviewing the licencing regime for launch