Defence, Security & Space UK-wide

UK Space Industry Licensing

Obtain licences for satellite operations, launches, and space activities.

Guide summary

You need licences from the UK Space Agency (satellites) or Civil Aviation Authority (launches). Apply 6-12 months before launch. Fees range from £10,000-£100,000 depending on activity. You must have insurance and a debris mitigation plan.

  • Check if you need a UK Space Agency or Civil Aviation Authority licence
  • Apply 6-12 months before launch or satellite operation
  • Pay fees: £10,000-50,000 for launches, £30,000-100,000 for satellites
  • Get third-party liability insurance (£100 million to £1 billion)
  • Submit a debris mitigation plan for satellites
  • Coordinate frequencies with Ofcom for satellite communications
  • Allow 3-9 months for satellite licence review, 6-12 months for launch
  • LEO satellites must de-orbit within 25 years of end-of-life
  • Report annually on compliance with licence conditions
On this page

Related guides in Export Licences

Operating in the UK space sector requires licensing from the UK Space Agency (satellites) or Civil Aviation Authority (launches and spaceports). The Space Industry Act 2018 modernised UK space regulation to support commercial space activities.

Satellite operator licensing

If you're a UK-registered company or operating a satellite from UK territory, you need a licence from the UK Space Agency under the Outer Space Act 1986 and Space Industry Act 2018.

Launch licensing

Conducting orbital or sub-orbital launches from UK territory requires a launch licence from the Civil Aviation Authority. Launch operations face stringent safety and insurance requirements.

Regulatory coordination

Space activities require coordination across multiple regulators. Satellite operators must obtain radio spectrum authorisation from Ofcom for frequency coordination. Launch activities require coordination with aviation authorities due to airspace impacts. Larger projects may need environmental impact assessments.

Satellite operator regulator
UK Space Agency (UKSA) under Outer Space Act 1986
Launch and spaceport regulator
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under Space Industry Act 2018
Launch and spaceport licence fee
No charge for launch operator, return operator, or spaceport licences
Satellite licence fee
Charged on cost-recovery basis (see CAA Scheme of Charges)
Satellite licence processing time
3 to 9 months depending on complexity
Launch licence processing time
6 to 12 months depending on payload and safety assessment
Third-party liability insurance (satellite)
Typically £100 million or more
Third-party liability insurance (launch)
£100 million to £1 billion depending on risk assessment
LEO de-orbit requirement
Low Earth Orbit satellites must de-orbit within 25 years of end of life
Frequency coordination
Satellite operators must obtain radio spectrum authorisation from Ofcom
  1. 1

    Determine which licence you need

    Satellite operators need a UKSA licence under the Outer Space Act 1986. Launch operators, return operators, and spaceports need a CAA licence under the Space Industry Act 2018.

  2. 2

    Contact the regulator early

    Contact the UK Space Agency or CAA licensing team at least 12 months before your planned launch date. Pre-application consultation is strongly recommended for all licence types.

  3. 3

    Prepare your application

    Include satellite or launch vehicle specifications, orbital parameters, payload details, mission profile, debris mitigation plan, insurance certificates, and end-of-life disposal plan.

  4. 4

    Apply to Ofcom for radio spectrum authorisation

    If operating a satellite, apply to Ofcom for frequency coordination. Coordinate with the International Telecommunication Union for orbital slot and frequency allocation.

  5. 5

    Arrange third-party liability insurance

    Obtain insurance covering third-party liability. Coverage levels depend on risk assessment — typically £100 million or more for satellites, up to £1 billion for launches.

  6. 6

    Comply with licence conditions

    Submit annual returns covering satellite operations, anomalies, orbital changes, and compliance. Report any incidents to the regulator immediately.

Space licensing resources

Use these resources to understand licensing requirements and apply for space activity licences.