UK space launch sector faces ‘burdens of complexity’, Commons Committee warns

According to the Science, Innovation, and Technology Committee (SITC), the UK must act quickly if it is to realise the full potential of the ‘extraordinary’ space launch sector.

It added that as well as offering services to one of the world’s fastest growing industries, a UK satellite launch sector can help strengthen Britain’s position in the design and manufacture of small satellites, and in provision of data and analytical services.  

Britain’s first attempt at satellite launch - the Virgin Orbit horizontal launch from Spaceport Cornwall at Newquay on 9 January 2023 - did not succeed.

The Committee said Virgin Orbit and some of its satellite customers were highly critical of the UK regulatory process which preceded the launch attempt. This process was led by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), who were accused by Virgin Orbit of operating a process that was slow, bureaucratic, and risk averse. The Committee concluded there was no evidence that the regulatory system contributed to the failure of the launch and accepts that the CAA has made progress in its application of regulations.

There is, however, insufficient coordination between the regulatory bodies involved in licensing, which places unnecessary burdens on companies. The Committee is now calling on government to assemble all relevant bodies to improve the licensing system of UK satellite launch, and to examine whether regulations in the Space Industry Act 2018 need amendment.

In a statement, Greg Clark, chair of the Science, Innovation & Technology Committee, said: “The UK has huge opportunities in the burgeoning space and satellite industry. But the sector is global and fast-paced, and to maintain our position the UK must act urgently to apply the lessons of the Cornwall disappointment to the regulatory system for satellite launch.”

The government is implementing some of the recommendations of SITC’s November 2022 report UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure, but its response to the need for more effective coordination across space and satellite policy, implementation and leadership was found to be unsatisfactory.

The National Space Council was abolished and then reannounced as an Inter-Ministerial Group but is yet to have its first meeting and its responsibilities are unclear. The establishment of the Space Sector Industry Forum gives government the opportunity to take advice from the sector and a leader should be appointed immediately, the Committee said. 

The UK Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) strategy, which has been in draft form since as long ago as June 2021, should be published with haste. The minister with responsibility for space told the Committee on 17 May 2023 that it was expected in weeks.

Click here for the full report.