Commentary on provisions of the Act Regulation of spaceflight etc Section 4: Exemptions from licence requirements
Section 3 prohibits the carrying out of space and sub-orbital activities in the United Kingdom without a licence. However, there are exemptions from the requirement to hold an operator licence as set out in section 4.
	Section 4, subsection (1) provides that an operator licence may not be required for a person carrying out spaceflight activities, where arrangements have been made between the United Kingdom and another country, confirming that the other country will secure compliance with international obligations on behalf of the United Kingdom. These arrangements are to be required to be certified by an Order in Council, issued by and with the advice of the Privy Council and approved by Her Majesty the Queen.
	Subsection (2) enables regulations to exempt other persons or activities from requiring an operator licence (such exemptions applying either by the regulations themselves or by the regulator) where the Secretary of State is satisfied that a licence is not required in order to secure public safety, the health and safety of individuals taking part in spaceflight activities in a role or capacity prescribed under section 17(1); and compliance with the international obligations of the United Kingdom. Public safety means the health and safety of members of the public and the safety of their property (section 2(6)). Regulations may also prescribe the meaning of "members of the public" for the purposes of this Act (section 2(7)).
	Subsection (3) provides that exemptions may be granted for a limited period.
	Subsection (4) enables regulations to be made concerning matters relating to exemptions.