Outer Space Act 1986


The Outer Space Act 1986 is an Act of Parliament to secure compliance with the international obligations of the United Kingdom with respect to the launching and operation of space objects and the carrying on of other activities in outer space by persons connected with this country. The act did not come into force until 31 July 1989.

Outline of provisions

The Act specifies that anyone who launches a space object or carries out any activity in outer space requires a license before doing so. This license must be granted by the Secretary of state any license granted is likely to specify terms that must be adhered to, and if these are not met than this act grants the power to prosecute people in breach of the terms.
This Act applies to the following activities whether carried on in the United Kingdom or elsewhere—
In 2015, Section 12 of the Deregulation Act amended the Outer Space Act to ensure licenses specify the licensee's liability to indemnify the government regarding space activities authorised by the license.