Outer Space Act 1986
The UK statute requiring UK persons who operate a space object or procure its launch — anywhere in the world — to hold a licence from the UK Space Agency.
The Outer Space Act 1986 implements the United Kingdom's obligations under the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention. It applies to UK nationals and UK-incorporated bodies wherever the activity takes place.
A UK satellite operator that procures a foreign launch and operates the spacecraft from abroad still needs an OSA licence from the UK Space Agency (UKSA). Licensees indemnify the government against international liability and must carry insurance, although reform capped the previously unlimited exposure by reference to modelled mission risk.
The OSA covers in-orbit operation; the Space Industry Act 2018 covers activities carried out from UK territory.