A leading legal expert has issued a stark warning that the United Kingdom's burgeoning space launch sector, spearheaded by the Shetland Islands, faces significant jeopardy if the government's licensing framework fails to keep pace with industry needs.
The Shetland Spaceport at the Heart of UK Ambitions
The focal point of this concern is the SaxaVord spaceport, situated on Unst, the northernmost inhabited island in Shetland. This facility holds the distinction of being the UK's sole licensed site for 'vertical launch' operations. Multiple companies are poised to send satellites into orbit from this remote location, with the inaugural launch anticipated in 2026.
However, Dr Alex Simmonds, a space law specialist from the University of Dundee, cautions that excessive bureaucracy and an ill-fitting regulatory environment could stifle progress. "We are dealing with very dangerous technology," Dr Simmonds explained, acknowledging the necessity for rigorous safety protocols. "Regulators have been very cautious at this stage, which is a good thing, but a balance needs to be achieved as businesses do not like to be caught up in red tape."
Regulatory Gaps and Global Competition
Dr Simmonds emphasised that the fitness and purpose of the UK’s licensing regime will be integral to the success or failure of the national space programme. He warned that without the right framework, launch providers may simply take their business to less restrictive overseas competitors, undermining the UK's ambitions before they truly lift off.
This warning echoes a September report by the Scottish Affairs Committee, which stated Scotland risked missing a "generational opportunity" to lead in space launch. The report criticised the UK for falling behind European rivals in public investment, leaving Scottish spaceports at a competitive disadvantage.
Dr Simmonds identified specific regulatory gaps, particularly concerning objects operating below the stratosphere. The Space Industry Act 2018 and its 2021 regulations govern rockets operating above this layer, but lower-level vehicles are permitted by the Civil Aviation Authority under different rules, which may not encompass the same environmental checks.
Future Challenges and Economic Promise
Looking ahead, the expert highlighted unprecedented legal challenges posed by the expanding space economy, from managing space debris to the complex application of Earthly laws to distant celestial bodies and astronauts. "If a law comes into force on planet Earth, let’s say at midnight Greenwich Mean Time, would that bind astronauts who are 24 minutes away at the speed of light?" he posed.
Despite these hurdles, Dr Simmonds is confident the space sector will grow, offering substantial economic benefits for Scotland, whose northerly latitude is ideal for launching satellites into polar orbits.
In response, a UK Government spokesperson reaffirmed commitment to the sector: "We are investing a record amount in space – allocating £2.8 billion to the UK Space Agency... We will continue to work closely with industry to ensure the UK remains an attractive destination for space businesses, innovation and investment to take-off."
