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.