Guidance

Providing range control services: rules and regulations

Regulations you must comply with when providing range control services.

From:
Department for Business and Trade, Department for Transport, UK Space Agency, Ofcom, Civil Aviation Authority and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Published
21 October 2025

This page is up to date

We reviewed this page on 21 October 2025. We need to review it again on 21 April 2026.

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Licences

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

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

  • co-ordinating activities on the range
  • tracking a space launch vehicle
  • identification and surveillance of hazard areas
  • issuing notifications to other airspace and marine users

Range control licence

Apply for a range control licence (CAA).

Guidance on applying for licences


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

Space launch spectrum licensing

Identify which Ofcom space launch licences you need.

Appoint a designated spectrum adviser to liaise with Ofcom. You can contact Ofcom by emailing spectrum.licensing@ofcom.org.uk.

Regulations and legislation

Space Industry Act 2018

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.

Read guidance for aeronautical radio station operators (CAA).

Flexible and special use of airspace

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.

Read the UK airspace management policy (CAA).

Safety

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:

  • identified the range control services to be covered by the licence
  • the right people, processes and equipment to provide the specified range control services
  • made appropriate arrangements for co-ordination with other licence holders or stakeholders

Ensuring risks are as low as reasonable practically (ALARP)

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

Air traffic services safety

Ensure all air traffic management (ATM) and air navigation services that you may need to work with are certified by the CAA.

For general enquiries, contact:

Airspace, ATM and Aerodromes (AAA)

CAA Safety and Airspace Regulation Group
1NE Aviation House, Gatwick Airport South
West Sussex
RH6 0YR

Maritime safety

Ensure you follow all maritime traffic safety regulations. Contact the Maritime Coastguard agency to understand which notices to mariners (NtM) standards you need to follow and how to carry out navigation risk assessments.

General health and safety requirements

You must also comply with all other relevant health and safety requirements.

Contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for general advice.

Updates to this page

Published 21 October 2025

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