The United Kingdom’s (UK) Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) – an independent committee, sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology – has published a report on the future regulation of space technologies.
The report includes 40 recommendations for the Government to consider, within three categories: Using the UK’s international platforms to advocate for and prioritize environmental protection, peace, and equitable use of space; Making the UK the go-to place for space regulation, arbitration and enabling services; Ensuring that the UK is at the forefront of a few key enabling technologies and capability development.
To achieve these goals, the RHC advocates for the establishment of a pragmatic, adaptable regulatory framework that encourages innovation and supports the development of critical technologies for space endeavors, ultimately contributing to the growth of the UK space sector.
The RHC is an independent expert committee, sponsored by DSIT. Its role is to identify the implications of technological innovation, and provide government with impartial, expert advice on the regulatory reform required to support its rapid and safe introduction.
The Council’s latest publication follows reports into quantum technologies, hydrogen in maritime, neurotechnology and artificial intelligence as a medical device and crosscutting issue of regulation and innovation.
The Government will respond to the recommendations in the coming months.
Minister for Space, Andrew Griffith, said, “Space technologies already play a pivotal role in our lives, from weather forecasting to navigation, and that influence will extend further than ever in the coming years and decades as innovators employ them for capabilities like energy generation and manufacturing. The Government will consider the Regulatory Horizons Council’s recommendations as we build a proportionate and flexible regulatory regime that will ensure future space technologies work for us all.”
Tim Peake CMG, European Space Agency astronaut, said, “This report is unique in taking a long-term futures approach to exploring the trends and drivers for space technologies, how technologies may combine into aggregate capabilities, and how we may face very different future scenarios which will affect our strategic choices. The UK can set out and work collectively towards a future where space is protected, sustained for future generations, and the space economy grows to benefit all. We can be a trusted partner to other states and private companies, at the forefront of developing innovative models and approaches. There are real opportunities here if we move quickly and prudently with a clear vision of the way ahead.”
Professor Charles Cockell, Professor of Astrobiology at the University of Edinburgh and co-director of the UK Centre for Astrobiology, said, “As an increasing number of states and private corporations expand into space, there is an opportunity to consider how to do this in a way that will maximise the vast scientific return and technological progress that will come from this activity and, in so doing, develop the UK’s scientific leadership and economic capacities. These advances can help protect Earth’s environment as an oasis in space and explore space as two mutually reinforcing objectives. But to do that, we need to achieve a propitious regulatory environment. This report offers important ideas on how the UK can position itself to take a global role in developing this regulatory and legal environment.”
Dr. Mike Short, Chief Architect, Satellite Applications Catapult and former CSA, Dept. of Business and Trade, said, “The RHC report is a helpful overview of the issues the space industry has to deal with nationally and internationally. It contributes an introductory input to key regulatory considerations and investment planning factors. There are many technologies, applications and solutions which involve the Space sector. The report also helps raise knowledge, understanding to a wider audience, and offers better guidance towards implementation for the many sectors served and supported from Space. I hope it serves to strengthen the longer-term investment and innovation dialogue possible.”
Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, Viasat, said, “The RHC report reinforces that we must carefully manage use of our finite and fragile orbital resources because of the way space now is being populated. The report explains why we must effectively regulate to ensure those shared resources remain accessible for the benefit of the entire world and future generations. The UK has a unique opportunity to lead like-minded nations in a coordinated response to the crisis we face. It is vital to seize that opportunity before it is too late.”
