UK, New Zealand agree blueprint for in-orbit satellite servicing

22 Oct 2024, 05:06 by Alun Williams · Electronics Weekly.com

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) and its New Zealand equivalent have agreed a blueprint for in-orbit satellite servicing. It will apply, for example, to both satellite removal and servicing missions.

The aim is to support in-orbit servicing for ‘rendezvous and proximity’ operations. These cover both space debris removal and satellite refuelling.

Specifically, the countries have been exploring ways to “reduce the legal, policy, and regulatory barriers, and uncertainty associated with multistate rendezvous and proximity missions”.

Blueprint

“We’re pleased to agree with our partners in New Zealand a world-first arrangement to help ease the way for future missions that can help keep space sustainable,” said Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency.

“In-orbit servicing and manufacturing and space debris removal are high-growth areas for the global space sector, and we hope our work with New Zealand can act as a blueprint for other nations to follow and benefit from.”

The blueprint is designed to outline a set of principles. They will allocate liability between different states involved in the different stages of such missions.

The UKSA highlights it works within the framework of the “Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects”.

Also, there are agreed principles involving licensing and information sharing.

in-orbit satellite servicing

“We place a lot of importance on space sustainability in New Zealand, and this agreement with the UK demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our space environment is safe and sustainable,” said Iain Cossar, Head of the New Zealand Space Agency.

“The principles and guidance we have developed could apply more broadly to other states, and like the UK, we hope this work can serve as a blueprint to enable these important activities internationally as we look to address the challenges posed by orbital debris,” he added.

The agreement was signed at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan.

Launches

Note that New Zealand is home to the world’s first private spaceport. This is the Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, located in the Hawke’s Bay Region of the North Island’s east coast. It has conducted 49 launches to date.

Research from 2022 estimates the global market for In-Orbit Services and Manufacturing to be $14.3 billion. More recently, in 2023, a report from the UKspace trade association puts the opportunity for the UK at £2.7 billion.

Image: Iain Cossar and Dr Paul Bate sign the arrangement at IAC 2024 in Milan