Reform Of The UK Outer Space Act

On 23 March 2011, George Osborne promised that:

"To create a level playing field with other countries, the Government will reform the Outer Space Act 1986 by introducing an upper limit on liability for UK operators".

The UK Space Agency has today (31 May 2012) published a consultation (click here ) seeking views primarily on whether to cap the unlimited liability requirement currently contained in Section 10 of the Outer Space Act 1986 (Act) to Euros 60 million for most missions.

Background to the Consultation

The UK Government is liable under international treaties, primarily the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention, for damage caused by activities in outer space by entities under its jurisdiction. The Government has sought to transfer its responsibility for these international obligations to the commercial or public entities, as appropriate, seeking to launch or operate space objects and which require licences to do so.