Spaceport Licensing in the UK: What Operators Need to Know

A UK spaceport must hold a CAA‑issued spaceport operator licence under the SIA. Spaceports may support vertical rocket launches, horizontal air‑launch missions, high‑altitude balloon operations, and planned spacecraft landings. The CAA indicates that a full licence assessment typically takes at least nine months. While there is no application fee, preparation and compliance costs can be significant.

Applicants must submit a siting assessment, a safety case demonstrating ALARP, an Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) suitable for public consultation, and a draft security programme and cyber security strategy supported by risk assessments. The regulator also assesses financial resources, national security and national interest considerations, international obligations, and fit and proper person criteria. Depending on the proposed activities, additional licences may be required, including launch or return operator licences and range control licences.

The SIA provides the statutory basis for regulating spaceflight activities from UK territory, covering licensing, safety, environmental protection, liabilities, land powers, and enforcement. Unlicensed spaceflight is prohibited, and the regulator may issue binding directions for safety, security, or international obligations. The framework is implemented through the Space Industry Regulations 2021 and related instruments, supported by CAA guidance, notably CAP2212. Activities carried out overseas by UK entities may still require licensing under the Outer Space Act 1986.

Spaceport development must align with local planning permissions and any conditions attached to consent. Construction must comply with CDM 2015 (or CDM 2016 in Northern Ireland), reflecting the risks associated with complex infrastructure projects. Spaceport Cornwall’s use of existing aerodrome infrastructure illustrates how repurposing can reduce cost, programme risk, and planning complexity.

Operators must prepare a safety case identifying major accident hazards, mitigations, and residual risks, supported by a robust Safety Management System. Launch operations require proven range functions, including hazard area definition, public warnings, surveillance, and real‑time flight monitoring. Airspace changes or Temporary Danger Areas must be coordinated well in advance, alongside any required marine licences.

Launch and telemetry operations require Ofcom spectrum licences. Operators must implement security programmes addressing physical protection, personnel vetting, and cyber threat mitigation. Under section 11 of the SIA, a licence cannot be granted without an adequate AEE, typically involving public consultation, modelling of noise and emissions, habitat assessments, and mitigation measures.

The SIA establishes operator liability for injury or damage, ministerial indemnity powers, and obligations to indemnify government bodies. Insurance requirements are risk‑based and licence‑specific, as reflected in recent launch licences granted to operators such as Skyrora.

Recent spaceport and launch licences confirm that safe and compliant operations are achievable under the SIA. Early engagement with the CAA, a credible ALARP safety case, and integrated environmental, range, airspace, and marine planning remain critical to progressing from planning consent to lawful launch operations.