Implementing space debris mitigation within the United Kingdom's Outer Space Act

The Outer Space Act 1986 (OSA) is the legal basis for the regulation of activities in outer space (including the launch and operation of space objects) carried out by persons connected with the United Kingdom. The Act confers licensing and other powers on the Secretary of State acting through the British National Space Centre (BNSC). The Act ensures compliance with UK obligations under the international conventions covering the use of outer space. Under the legislation of the OSA, the Secretary of State shall not grant a licence unless he is satisfied that the activities authorised by the licence will not jeopardise public health or the safety of persons or property, will be consistent with the international obligations of the United Kingdom, and will not impair the national security of the United Kingdom. Further the Secretary of State requires the licensee to conduct his operations in such a way as to prevent the contamination of outer space or adverse changes in the environment of the Earth, and to avoid interference with activities of others in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. In the context of space debris mitigation, we consider the physical contamination of the orbital environment and potential physical interference with operational spacecraft. This paper outlines both the philosophical approach adopted in interpreting the requirements of the outer space treaties and translating these into evaluation criteria, and practical experience of assessing compliance of licence applicants with the emerging standards, guidelines and codes for space debris mitigation. The documentation and software tools developed to assist in performing these assessments are introduced, and the modelling and data approaches explained.