The National Security and Investment Act 2021 (Notifiable Acquisition) (Specification of Qualifying Entities) Regulations 2021

Activity – satellite and space technology

3.  The activities referred to in paragraph 2 are—

(a) management of debris in outer space, including sending an object into outer space to remove debris;

(b) the provision of—

(i) in-orbit servicing, maintenance or manoeuvring of satellites;

(ii) in-orbit capabilities, including inspection services or life extension services, including refuelling, repair or relocation services; or

(iii) any technology or system—

(aa) that performs any of the activities set out in sub-paragraphs (a), (b)(i) and (b)(ii); or

(bb) which is designed to, or may be used to, disrupt, modify or interfere with satellites;

(c) the provision of satellite communications links, including radio frequency or optical links—

(i) between satellites in orbit;

(ii) between spacecraft and satellites in orbit;

(iii) between satellites in orbit and celestial bodies; or

(iv) from earth to outer space, and from outer space to earth;

(d) operating or maintaining the capability of secure infrastructure related to—

(i) space activity; or

(ii) sub-orbital activity;

(e) the manufacture or testing of spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellites, planetary probes, orbital stations, ground support equipment, or component parts of, or materials used in, any equipment set out in this sub-paragraph;

(f) the use of space-derived data for a defence purpose;

(g) the operation or control of infrastructure;

(h) the provision or processing of space situational awareness data by activity on earth or by space activity or by means of infrastructure for any of the following—

(i) sub-orbital activity;

(ii) orbital activity;

(iii) a defence purpose.