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

Select Committee
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee HC 1717 14 July 2023
Report Status Response document linked Recorded deadline: 14 Sep 2023

Missing links do not establish that no response was published. A linked document does not verify responses to individual findings.

Conclusions & Recommendations 8 items (6 recs)
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Government response
Fifth Special Report - UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure: reviewing the licencing regime for launch: Government response to the Committees Seventh Report · published 27 Oct 2023
Read the government response ↗ Response on the tracker

Recommendations & Conclusions

8 results
1 Conclusion
Para 21
Publish outcomes of spaceflight regulatory review by September 2023 to streamline licensing process
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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2 Recommendation
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 … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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3 Recommendation
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 … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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4 Recommendation
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 … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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5 Recommendation
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 … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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6 Conclusion
Para 39
Government leadership and organisation for the UK space sector remains inadequate and disjointed
Conclusion
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 … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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7 Recommendation
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 … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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8 Recommendation
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 … Read more
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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