UK and New Zealand sign space arrangement

The UK and New Zealand space agencies signed an arrangement for removal and servicing of satellites in orbit at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan.

The arrangement, signed at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, is designed to support missions in the fast-growing areas of in-orbit servicing, space debris removal and satellite refuelling, known as ‘rendezvous and proximity’ operations.  

The work between the UK and New Zealand demonstrates how international cooperation in this area can keep space sustainable for current and future generations.

The agreement builds on the 1972 Liability Convention, helping clarify liability for future in-orbit servicing and removal missions that require satellites to approach and rendezvous with each other – but which could come from multiple launching states.