The UK government has issued a comprehensive set of spaceflight rules and guidance that consolidates regulatory requirements for launches, orbital operations, spaceports and range control services. The collection, published on 21 October 2025, brings together material from several departments and regulators to clarify compliance for commercial and public space activities. The full collection is available on GOV.UK: Spaceflight activities: rules and regulations.
What was published
The collection groups rules and guidance by activity, providing a single reference point for UK spaceflight permissions and oversight. It is intended for launch operators, satellite operators, spaceport developers and range service providers working in or with the UK.
Scope of the framework
- Launching or returning a rocket or space plane
- Operating an orbital space object
- Operating a spaceport
- Providing range control services
Regulatory coordination
The collection draws on requirements and guidance from multiple authorities:
- Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
- Department for Transport (DfT)
- UK Space Agency (UKSA)
- Ofcom
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
Why this matters
The consolidated format is designed to reduce fragmentation and make it easier for organisations to identify the expectations that apply to their activities. It outlines how responsibilities are divided across government and regulators, improving visibility over the permissions and interfaces required for UK-based missions and services.
Implications for industry
- Single entry point for UK spaceflight rules and associated guidance, organised by activity.
- Clearer routing to the appropriate authorities for licensing and compliance.
- Improved transparency on oversight for launch, orbital operations, spaceports and range services.
Publication details
The collection is dated 21 October 2025 and includes dedicated guidance pages for each activity area listed above. Further information is available on the GOV.UK page linked at the top of this article.
