Britain's entry into the space race moves a step closer today with rockets and satellites set to be fired into the sky from next summer.
Regulations being laid in Parliament will mean craft can launch from UK soil for the first time – with spaceports planned for Cornwall, Wales and Scotland.
The Government says the move clears another hurdle to British space exploration and will help create hundreds of jobs.
“Future satellite launches will improve our access to data and communications and revolutionise services such as satellite navigation and Earth observation, enhancing the way we live, work, travel and interact with our planet,” said the Department for Transport.
“Space exploration has a long history of inspiring us all to consider our impact on the Earth, and access to space is essential as we tackle global environmental issues, such as climate change.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This is a pivotal moment for our spaceflight ambitions.
“Since the start of the spaceflight programme in 2017 we have been clear that we want to be the first country to launch into orbit from Europe.
“The laying of these regulations puts us firmly on track to see the first UK launches take place from 2022, unlocking a new era in commercial spaceflight for all four corners of our nation.”
The regulations have been drawn up by the Government, the UK Space Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority.
The legislation being laid in Parliament will come into force this summer and, the DfT says, “will help propel the development of commercial spaceflight technologies, from traditional rockets to high-altitude balloons and spaceplanes”.
The Government believes today's development is a key step to help Britain benefit from a potential boom in commercial space tourism and technology which could slash the time it takes to fly to Earth-based destinations.
“In time, we will also start to see new and emerging space activity, including sub-orbital space tourism and eventually new transport systems such as hypersonic flight, which will dramatically reduce aviation travel times,” said the DfT.
Science Minister Amanda Solloway added: “Continuing to grow our launch capability will help bring jobs and economic benefits across the UK.
“The Space Industry Regulations we’ve tabled today will create a supportive, attractive and safe environment for commercial spaceflight.
“Today marks another crucial milestone that will enable the first launches from British soil in 2022 and make UK commercial spaceflight a reality.”
The move comes as Boris Johnson prepares to host world leaders including US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French Premier Emmanuel Macron at next month's G7 summit in Cornwall.