Last amended by Space Industry Act 2018 in 2018. Established a comprehensive licensing regime for spaceflight activities carried out from the UK (spaceports, launch vehicles, range control services), which operates alongside the 1986 Act. UK operators must consider both Acts: the 1986 Act continues to apply to activities carried out from overseas or in orbit by UK entities.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Outer Space Act 1986 was the UK's first legislation specifically regulating space activities. It was enacted principally to implement the UK's international obligations under the 1967 UN Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space (the Outer Space Treaty) and the 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (the Liability Convention). These treaties impose state responsibility on the UK for the activities of UK nationals in outer space — the 1986 Act discharges that responsibility by requiring UK nationals and UK-incorporated organisations to obtain a licence from the Secretary of State before carrying out any space activity. Licence conditions typically require insurance, compliance with international space law obligations, avoidance of contamination, debris disposal, and an obligation to indemnify the Crown for international liabilities that may arise. The Act applies to activities carried out overseas by UK nationals and entities — it pre-dates commercial UK launch activity. For activities carried out from the UK, the Space Industry Act 2018 is now the primary licensing framework; the 1986 Act continues to govern UK nationals operating from third countries or in orbit. The two Acts operate in parallel and must both be considered for UK-connected space projects.
Key Points
- Section 1: licensing requirement — any person who is a UK national or a Scottish partnership or a body incorporated under UK law must obtain a licence from the Secretary of State before carrying out any activity in outer space (launching or procuring the launch of space objects, operating space objects) whether from the UK or from any other location
- Section 3: conditions of licence — the Secretary of State may include in a licence conditions requiring the licensee to take insurance, to observe limitations specified in international agreements, to take steps for the avoidance of interference with other space objects or other activities in outer space, and to ensure disposal of space objects at the end of their useful life
- Section 5: indemnity — any licence holder must agree to indemnify the government against any international liability (under the Liability Convention) arising from the licensed activities; licence conditions routinely require insurance cover to underpin this indemnity
- Section 10: enforcement — criminal offence to carry out a licensable activity without a licence; maximum penalty on indictment is 2 years' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine; the Secretary of State may also revoke a licence
- Section 1(2): scope — applies to any activity in outer space — defined by the Act by reference to activities above the atmosphere — whether the activity involves a satellite, a space probe, a crewed mission, or any other space object
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2018 — Space Industry Act 2018
Established a comprehensive licensing regime for spaceflight activities carried out from the UK (spaceports, launch vehicles, range control services), which operates alongside the 1986 Act. UK operators must consider both Acts: the 1986 Act continues to apply to activities carried out from overseas or in orbit by UK entities.
1996 — Outer Space Act 1986: Secretary of State's guidance
The UK Space Agency (established 2010) assumed responsibility for processing Outer Space Act licence applications from the Department for Transport; in 2016 the Space Industry Bill consultation updated the licensing approach and fees structure.
Frequently asked questions
- Who needs a licence under the Outer Space Act 1986?
- The Outer Space Act 1986 applies to UK nationals, Scottish partnerships, and bodies incorporated under UK law. It covers any activity in outer space, including launching or procuring the launch of space objects and operating them. This applies whether the activity is carried out from the UK or from any other location, including third countries or in orbit.
- Why do UK space operators need a licence?
- The Act requires UK nationals and UK-incorporated organisations to obtain a licence from the Secretary of State before carrying out any space activity. This requirement exists to discharge the UK's international obligations under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and the 1972 Liability Convention, which impose state responsibility for the activities of UK nationals in outer space.
- What conditions are usually attached to a space activity licence?
- Licence conditions typically require the licensee to take out insurance, comply with international space law obligations, avoid interference with other space objects, and ensure the disposal of space objects at the end of their useful life. The Secretary of State may also require specific steps for compliance with space debris mitigation guidelines and adherence to limitations specified in international agreements.
- What are the penalties for operating in space without a licence?
- Carrying out a licensable activity without a licence is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty on indictment is two years' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. Additionally, the Secretary of State has the power to revoke a licence if conditions are not met or if the activity poses a risk.
- How does the Outer Space Act 1986 relate to the Space Industry Act 2018?
- The Space Industry Act 2018 is the primary licensing framework for spaceflight activities carried out from the UK, such as those involving spaceports and launch vehicles. The Outer Space Act 1986 continues to govern UK nationals and entities operating from third countries or in orbit. UK-connected space projects must consider both Acts as they operate in parallel.