Written question asked by Owen Thompson (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 21 October 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 November 2020 (named day). It was answered by Amanda Solloway (Conservative) on Monday, 2 November 2020 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

USA: Spaceflight

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to Article II point 5 of the UK/USA Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Notes between the United Kingdom and the United States of America on Technology Safeguards associated with United States Participation in Space Launches from the United Kingdom [CS USA No.1/2020], whether the Government plans to introduce UK regulatory involvement into the administering of segregated areas.

Answer: The Government plans to realise its obligations under the Agreement through the Space Industry Regulations, published for consultation on 29 July 2020 and licence conditions for operators. Regulations 180-181 of the Draft Space Industry Regulations address segregated areas and highlight that the area remains designated as segregated only if there is US technology in that area.

Secondary information