The UK government laid a Departmental Minute before Parliament on 12 November 2026, detailing new contingent liability arrangements for space activities in orbit. These updates follow reforms to space regulations announced alongside the UK Space Strategy on 8 September.
The changes include adopting a variable third-party liability limits approach for orbital operations, with a default limit of £50 million. This limit may be reduced to £20 million or £0 if operators meet specific criteria. Additionally, operator third-party liability will be waived for innovative missions, such as In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing and lunar missions, launched before the end of 2030.
These measures could create a maximum additional exposure of £50 million for any single claim compared with current arrangements. The Treasury has approved the proposal in principle. However, final approval will be withheld if a Member of Parliament raises an objection within 14 parliamentary sitting days from the date the Minute was laid.
The government states that the reforms aim to reduce costs for UK companies, incentivise security and space sustainability, and stimulate investment in the UK's space sector. The UK Space Strategy, backed by £7.8 billion until 2030, seeks to drive growth and strengthen security in the space economy.