Space launches could be conducted from UK soil as early as next year

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A space launch from British soil could be possible as soon as next year, as the government prepares to sign legislation regulating for UK space activity by the end of 2021.

In what the government called a “giant leap for British spaceflight history”, the Department for Transport published its response to an industry consultation into space regulation and launch rules, which will lay out a plan for future launches and expansion of a domestic space industry.

“Over the past few months, the government has been inviting industry, stakeholders and the public to have their say on the rules that will govern our spaceflight programme – and the consultation has captured the imagination of people across the UK, including schoolchildren,” the statement said.

It said the legislation “will help to propel the development of commercial spaceflight technologies, from traditional rockets launched vertically into space, to high-altitude balloons and spaceplanes, with launches potentially taking place within the next few years”.

The government has set a target to grow the UK’s share of the global space market to 10 per cent by 2030. It also hopes spaceflight plans would create high-skilled jobs for scientists and researchers in the country and would expand an industry currently worth £14.8bn.

“I’m committed to growing the UK’s space industry, and with the most modern piece of space legislation in the world, we are cementing our leading role in this sector, unlocking a new era in commercial spaceflight for all four corners of our nation,” said the transport secretary Grant Shapps.

The government says it has begun awarding grants totalling nearly £40m in order to establish commercial vertical and horizontal small satellite launches from spaceports. It also seeks to build new spaceports in south-west England, Scotland and Wales.

“The UK’s space sector is thriving, and we have bold ambitions to be the first country in Europe to launch small satellites while building space capabilities in every corner of the UK,” science minister Amanda Solloway said.

“Working with our space industry, regulators and across government, we will develop a modern, safe and flexible regulatory framework that will support a new era of sustainable commercial spaceflight across the UK,” she said.