Providing range control services: rules and regulations

Regulations you must comply with when providing range control services.

We reviewed this page on 2 July 2026. It will be reviewed again on 2 January 2027. 

Apply for any licences you need to provide range control services.

Range control services are provided under the Space Industry Act 2018 and include:

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provides general guidance on: 

Identify which space launch licences you may need to support space launch.

Appoint a designated spectrum adviser to liaise with Ofcom. You can contact Ofcom by emailing [email protected] or submit spectrum enquiries.

The Space Industry Act 2018 is the legal framework for spaceflight activities carried out in the UK.

The following regulations provide rules for implementing the act:

Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence (ROCC)

If you use an aeronautical radio station, it must be operated by someone who holds a valid Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence (ROCC).

You must also ensure you are following the correct radiotelephony procedures.

You must coordinate with the CAA to manage special use airspace (SUA) and flexible use of airspace (FUA) requirements. This includes ensuring you are meeting requirements and submitting regular reports.

This section outlines some of the regulations you must follow to ensure you are compliant with safety and technical standards.

You will need to provide evidence that you have:

Ensuring risks are as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)

The launch operator’s safety case should explain to range control licensees how they will ensure risks are reduced to ALARP (CAA).