UK Civil Aviation Authority

Operating an Orbital Space Object: Rules and Regulations

The UK Civil Aviation Authority and partner agencies published guidance on rules for operating orbital space objects such as satellites. The guidance details licensing requirements under the Space Industry Act 2018 and Outer Space Act 1986, including orbital operator licences, liability and insurance requirements, satellite spectrum licensing via Ofcom, and technical and safety assessment requirements. The page was updated on 17 December 2025 to add a link to licence application fee requirements guidance.

UK Announces Regulatory Package for Space-Manufactured Medicines

The UK Space Agency, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Regulatory Innovation Office, and Civil Aviation Authority announced a coordinated package of measures to support in-orbit pharmaceutical manufacturing. The package includes regulatory guidance, case studies, a Re-entry Regulatory Sandbox, and strengthened supply-chain engagement designed to provide industry with greater regulatory clarity and a clearer pathway from orbital research to patient access.