01 June 2012
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Many probably would not know that the UK insurance gap reaches all the way to outer space.
For many space-faring nations, damage liabilities of satellite launching and space activity are covered by individual company insurance.
The UK is not privy to such arrangements, with the liability burden falling on the government's shoulders instead.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has published a consultation paper on proposed changes to the Outer Space Act of 1986 and issues of insurance liability.
Tony Ballard, partner at law firm Harbottle & Lewis, and UK chairman of the European Centre for Space Law, said: "Most nations offload liability onto the operators themselves and require them to take out insurance to cover the maximum probable loss but cover the maximum possible loss themselves.
"No such deal is available in the UK, where operators are obliged under the Outer Space Act 1986 to indemnify the government without limit."
He added, for the last 25 years UK civil space activities have faced an arcane legal hazard which the government has now proposed to remove.
