These Regulations make provision for the investigation of spaceflight accidents.

Part 1 contains the interpretation provisions.

Part 2 requires the Secretary of State to nominate a body to act as the space accident investigation authority (“SAIA”) for the United Kingdom, and makes provision for the appointment of inspectors for that body.

Part 3 sets out what must be done after a spaceflight accident.

Part 4 provides for the objective of safety investigations carried out under these Regulations, how the extent of a safety investigation is to be determined, and when a safety investigation may be reopened. It sets out when the Chief Inspector must investigate a spaceflight accident and when the Chief Inspector may do so, when SAIA may seek assistance with a UK safety investigation, what rights accredited representatives, their advisers and state experts have in a UK safety investigation, and how SAIA may participate in another state’s investigation. It provides for the powers of the investigator-in-charge of a safety investigation, and when those powers may be delegated. It also makes provision for the release of evidence to its owner and for the recovery of expenses by SAIA.

Part 5 defines sensitive safety information and makes provision for its protection, setting out the circumstances in which information relating to a safety investigation may be disclosed.

Part 6 makes provision in relation to the safety investigation report and safety recommendations.

Part 7 provides for penalties for breaches of the Regulations.

Part 8 provides for review of the operation of the Regulations for the purpose of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (c. 26).

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business, the voluntary sector and the public sector is available from the Department for Transport, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 4DR and is published alongside the Explanatory Memorandum to this instrument on the legislation.gov.uk website.