Spaceflight from the UK

Information on how we are growing the UK’s satellite launch capability and spaceflight industry.

See information on rules and regulations for launching or returning a rocket or spaceplane from the UK.

LaunchUK is the UK’s commercial spaceflight programme.

The government’s vision is for the UK to be at the global forefront of small satellite launch and emerging space transportation markets – providing world-leading capability, bringing new markets to the UK and inspiring the next generation of British space scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.

On 9 January 2023, the UK made history by conducting the first ever orbital launch attempt from UK soil through Virgin Orbit at Spaceport Cornwall - clearly demonstrating the UK’s launch capability.

Establishing orbital launch capabilities in the UK is already bringing new growth through investment and jobs into Cornwall and other communities, as well as inspiring a new generation of space professionals.

To enable launches from the UK, we have put in place the Space Industry Act 2018, a flexible high-level regulatory framework. 

Following the completion of the public consultation, the government response and Parliamentary debates, the Space Industry Regulations 2021, Space Industry (Appeals) Regulations 2021, the Spaceflight Activities (Investigation of Spaceflight Accidents) Regulations 2021 and the Contracting Out (Functions in Relation to Space) Order 2021 were laid before Parliament on the 8 July 2021 and came into force on 29 July 2021. This package of statutory instruments paved the way for the first launches from the UK, enabling the licensing of launch, return, orbital, spaceport and range control activities. 

From the South of England to the North of Scotland, the UK offers a range of potential launch sites capable of hosting a variety of different spaceflight activity including both horizontal and vertical launch.