New RHC report on the regulation of space technologies

The Regulatory Horizons Council (RHC) has published a new independent report on the future regulation of space technologies, including 40 recommendations for the Government to consider.

While the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 declares that “Space is the Province of All Mankind,” this principle faces challenges due to the rapid advancement of technology outpacing regulation. Military and commercial interests are operating in this gap, potentially jeopardising the peaceful and equitable use of space.

Our analysis of future trends suggests that conflicts in and using space are becoming more likely, and could become more dangerous, threatening the basic services which we all rely on satellites to provide - telecommunications, internet, navigation, mapping and weather forecasting. But if we get this right, emerging technologies such as AI, novel materials, quantum technologies may help us to create new capabilities such as solar energy generation, debris removal and recycling, and new approaches to medicine. Space could help us solve our climate change challenges, and energy challenges, in ways which can benefit everyone on Earth.

We recommend that the UK Government do everything possible to promote peace in space and establish the UK as a global centre for space law and responsible practices, protect the space environment and ensure equitable uses of space through establishing new mechanisms for public engagement and collective investment in ethical space technologies with shared global benefits.

Writing to the RHC, Space Minister Andrew Griffith MP welcomed the report, highlighting the government’s plans to ensure the UK’s regulatory framework for the space sector matches the aspirations for the UK to be a global leader in space. The Minister says that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will lead the development of the government’s response to the report over the next six months.

The 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.”

The report sets out 40 recommendations for the government, within three categories:

• Using the UK’s international platforms to advocate for and prioritise environmental protection, peace, and equitable use of space;
• Making the UK the go-to place for space regulation, arbitration and enabling services; and
• Ensuring that the UK is at the forefront of a few key enabling technologies and capability development.

Click here to read the report

Industry representatives and stakeholders in the space sector have already expressed strong support for the RHC’s findings:

“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.” - Tim Peake CMG, European Space Agency astronaut

?"This timely report sets out a clear opportunity for the City of London to leverage its strengths and support the UK as a leader in the global space sector. Keeping space safe and sustainable is vital for our economy and for meeting 40% of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. My Lord Mayor’s Space Protection Initiative aims to make Space Debris Removal Insurance Bonds a condition of launch for all spacecraft to keep space clutter free. The City of London can be a one-stop-shop for space regulation, arbitration, and financial services, and we want to work with the Government to ensure that the UK secures a strategic advantage in these areas.” - Lord Mayor of the City of London Corporation, Michael Mainelli,

“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.” - Dr Mike Short, Chief Architect, Satellite Applications Catapult and former CSA, Dept of Business and Trade

“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." -?Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, Viasat