Launch Vehicle Test and Qualification Approaches- Regulatory Development Study

UK Launch Services was contracted by the UK Space Agency to undertake a study with the objective of informing requirements in the UK regulations relating to the testing and verification of Launch Systems and Vehicles. UKLSL undertook a review of standards and approaches utilised and applied in the global launch industry, in both commercial development projects and institutional launcher development programmes. A critical review of the standards and approaches was undertaken, whilst also considering approaches taken by other equivalent or similar sectors and industries. From this, the applicability to the kinds of systems and developments expected to feature in the UK’s launch programme was determined, and recommendations relating to standards and approaches to be prescribed, recommended and or included in the UK regulations were made.