Synopsis
Context and Background of the UK Launch Programme
On January 9, 2023, the UK achieved a significant milestone by conducting its first-ever orbital launch from Spaceport Cornwall in Newquay. This event, involving Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket launched from a modified Boeing 747 (named Cosmic Girl), marked a substantial step towards realizing the goals of the National Space Strategy established in 2021. Despite a technical anomaly in the rocket’s second stage engine, which prevented the satellites from reaching orbit, the launch demonstrated the UK’s capability in safely and legally conducting space missions.
The Pathfinder launch was a result of extensive collaboration across various government departments, including the UK Space Agency, DSIT, Department for Transport (DfT), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and others. This collaboration laid the groundwork for a sustainable commercial spaceflight market in the UK.
Key elements of the enabling conditions included the enactment of enabling legislation, establishment of space industry regulations, development of international arrangements, execution of grants for infrastructure development, and public outreach and education.
Lessons Learned and Key Recommendations
The report, authored by the UK Space Agency’s Launch Programme, identifies lessons learned and recommendations across several themes:
- Regulatory Landscape Review: The government is advised to streamline the coordination of licensing and guidance with operators to reduce administrative burdens. This includes reviewing the proportionality of information requested for the fit and proper persons test.
- Knowledge Sharing and Guidance: Improving the dissemination of knowledge is critical, especially given the geographic challenges of launching across multiple national airspaces. The report suggests streamlining the licensing process and educating launch operators on European airspace challenges.
- International Agreements: Simplifying arrangements with European and other international partners is recommended to manage airspace requirements better. This involves exploring cross-European governance for launches through Eurocontrol.
- Insurance and Liabilities: A review of insurance and liability requirements is suggested to make them more proportionate and less burdensome. This includes exploring options for setting an upper cap for launch operator insurance and liability.
- Communication, Decision-Making, and Escalation Protocols: Ensuring clear communication and escalation processes within program governance is important. This includes clarifying roles and responsibilities, especially regarding risk management in high-risk areas like shipping lanes.
- Roles, Responsibilities, and Ownership: Early identification and clarification of roles and responsibilities among stakeholders are crucial for effective information flow and accountability.
Concluding Remarks
The report concludes that the lessons learned from the Pathfinder launch provide valuable insights for the continual improvement of the UK space sector. These recommendations, agreed upon by stakeholders, aim to strengthen the UK’s position in achieving the National Space Strategy’s goals, including upcoming launches from SaxaVord and Sutherland in 2024. The commitment to listening to stakeholders and implementing these recommendations positions the UK strongly for future space endeavors.