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UK Civil Aviation Regulations

These are published by the CAA on our UK Regulations pages. EU Regulations and EASA Access Guides published by EASA no longer apply in the UK. Our website and publications are being reviewed to update all references. Any references to EU law and EASA Access guides should be disregarded and where applicable the equivalent UK versions referred to instead.



Space Industry Act 2018

Before applying for any licence under the Space Industry Act, we strongly recommend you familiarise yourself with the regulations and guidance relevant to your proposed activities.

Details of the application process for all licences that can be issued under the Space Industry Act and an explanation of how the regulator will review any application is set out here: Applying for a licence under the Space Industry Act 2018

The Regulator’s Licensing Rules detail the requirements of what information must be attached to each licence type
Some additional guidance which is relevant following the grant of a licence under the Space Industry Act is set out here

Training requirements

Launch and return and range control licensees must establish and maintain a training programme which complies with the requirements in SIR 69 and prepare and maintain a training manual which complies with the requirements in SIR 66.

Additionally, you must appoint a training manager who has responsibility for the conduct and management of your training programme.

The training manager and training manual must be approved by the CAA. While it is not a requirement to seek this approval at point of application, we recommend you submit the relevant information as part of your initial application.

Close Training requirements

Licensing statements

Licensing statements have been developed as guidance for you to use when producing certain documents that are required to be submitted in support of an SIA Licence. They contain references to the relevant legislation, regulations and guidance along with an example structure. They can be used as a checklist to make sure you have included all the key requirements in your application and they will help us assess submissions efficiently.

The licensing statements that should always be submitted are detailed in the table below.

Licensing statement for… Launch operator Range
Launch Operator Safety Case Yes  
Training Manual Yes Yes
Safety Operations Manual Yes  

Launch operator safety case licensing statement

Safety operations manual (SOM) licensing statement

Training manual licensing statement

Close Licensing statements

Outer Space Act 1986

Orbital operations may fall under either the Space Industry Act or the Outer Space Act. While the intention is to align the regulatory approach to these two activities as much as possible, particular guidance for applying under the Outer Space Act is set out in Guidance for orbital operator licence applicants and licensees.

If you are unsure whether your activities fall under the SIA or OSA, we recommend you contact us in advance of submitting your application.

Appeals

Under Schedule 10 of the Space Industry Act, a person or organisation may seek to make an appeal against a decision made in regard to licensing under the Space Industry Act 2018 and the Outer Space Act 1986.
Information on how appeals can be made and are processed is set out in the following guidance on appealing decisions made under the SIA 2018 and OSA.