Outer Space Act 1986

The Outer Space Act 1986 is an act of Parliament that implements the United Kingdom's international obligations with respect to space launches and operations by people connected to the country. The act did not come into force until 1 August 1989.

Outline of provisions

The act specifies that anyone who launches a space object or carries out any activity in outer space must obtain a licence before doing so. This licence must be granted by the Secretary of state and may contain terms enforceable by prosecution.
Under section 7 a UK Registry of Outer Space Objects is maintained by the UK Space Agency, and is periodically published.

Amendment of the Outer Space Act 1986

Section 12 of the Deregulation Act 2015 amended the Outer Space Act 1986 to ensure licences specify the licensee's liability to indemnify the government regarding space activities authorised by the licence.
The Space Industry Act 2018 extended and improved the regulatory framework for commercial spaceflight activities to be carried out from spaceports in the United Kingdom and launches and other activities overseas by UK entities.