Policy background
This measure is part of a wider Government programme to stimulate the market for space activities (primarily small satellite launch) and sub-orbital spaceflight activities in the United Kingdom from 2020.
	The Act provides for the regulation and licensing of space activities and sub-orbital activities (together referred to as "spaceflight activities"); and any associated activities, including but not limited to the operation of spaceports, mission management facilities and range control functions and sites in the United Kingdom.
	The Act prohibits the carrying on of spaceflight and specified associated activities without a licence and breach of this prohibition will be an offence. The Secretary of State is the regulatory authority and has a duty to secure public safety in carrying out his or her functions under the Act.
	There are powers to enable the Civil Aviation Authority ("the CAA") or other persons to carry out functions on behalf of the Secretary of State. Applicants for licences will also be required to meet any requirements set out in secondary legislation made under this Act.
	The OSA will remain in force, but will be amended so that it will only cover space activities overseas. A number of the provisions in this Act mirror those found in OSA, as this Act implements United Kingdom obligations under the UN Space Treaties, insofar as those obligations arise in relation any space activities carried on in the United Kingdom.
	Commercial spaceflight is an innovative, highly technical and fast-changing area. As such, the Act provides a framework for the development of more detailed rules in secondary legislation, supplemented by guidance. In addition, spaceflight activities will be carried out in accordance with licences, which may contain a wide range of conditions.