Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Seventh Report - UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure: reviewing the licencing regime for launch
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
HC 1717
Published 14 July 2023
Recommendations
2
Accepted
Para 23
Improve Civil Aviation Authority communication with space licence applicants regarding application progress and timelines
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government states the CAA has launched improvement projects to simplify the applicant journey and streamline the licensing and monitoring process, including long-term efficiency work. Revised Regulator's Licensing Rules have also been published to simplify information requirements, addressing the need for greater certainty around licensing timelines.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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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 …
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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.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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4
Not Addressed
Secure ongoing international airspace agreements to facilitate smoother complex UK space launches
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government response describes an upcoming meeting of the Space Sector Industry Forum, which doesn't directly address the recommendation to create ongoing agreements with necessary nations on airspace use.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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5
Deferred
Para 33
Publish plans for ongoing government financial support to the UK space launch sector
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government deflected from addressing financial support for the UK launch sector by referencing a letter about publishing outcomes of work on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) by autumn.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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7
Accepted
Para 40
Appoint a sector leader to ensure success of the Space Sector Industry Forum by end 2023
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating that the Space Sector Industry Forum will be co-chaired by Minister George Freeman and the Chair of UKSpace, bringing together industry and academia to provide advice.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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8
Deferred
Publish the Position, Navigation and Timing Strategy without further delay alongside this report response
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government defers the publication of its Position, Navigation and Timing Strategy, stating DSIT hopes to publish the outcome of its work by autumn of this year at the latest, rather than alongside the report response as recommended.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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Conclusions (2)
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 21
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 …
Government Response Summary
The government committed to a Post Implementation Review (PIR) of the Space Industry Act 2018, which began on 1 September 2023 and will conclude by 31 March 2024, involving three distinct phases including consultation with the space sector.
6
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 39
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 …
Government Response Summary
The government confirms the re-instated National Space Council held its inaugural meeting in July 2023, tasked with coordinating strategic space matters across government. This council is underpinned by the senior officials-level National Space Board.