Spaceflight activities above the stratosphere
Launch activity of a rocket capable of operating above the stratosphere (circa 50km altitude) is regulated under the Space Industry Act 2018 and requires a licence.
We issue large rocket permissions under Section 96 of the Air Navigation Order.
The nature of proposed rocket activities will determine the permission types the operator must obtain from the CAA.
Types of rocket
Large Rockets
All non-military rockets with a total combined motor impulse of greater than 10,240 Newton-seconds ,that are not capable of exceeding the stratosphere must receive a Large Rocket permission under Article 96 (8) of the UK ANO 2016 prior to commencing operations
Small Rockets
Spaceflight activities using rockets with motors of greater than 160 Ns but less than 10,240 Ns total combined impulse need:
- No specific permission, but must meet the requirements as set out in the general conditions of Article 96 (3), (4), (5) and (6) of the UK ANO 2016
Model Rockets
Spaceflight activities using rockets with motors of up to 160 Ns total combined impulse do not need CAA permission, regardless of whether these are of a commercial nature as defined in section 7 of the Air Navigation Order (ANO) 2016.
Spaceflight activities above the stratosphere
Launch activity of a rocket capable of operating above the stratosphere (circa 50km altitude) is regulated under the Space Industry Act 2018 and requires a licence.
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