Ground safety analysis
27.—(1) An applicant for a launch operator licence must carry out a ground safety analysis in which the applicant identifies the major accident hazards that could arise—
(a)during, or cause a major accident during, preparations for the launch from the time when the launch vehicle or its components arrive at the spaceport or other place from which the launch is to take place, or
(b)from the launch vehicle, or any part of it, or from a payload, upon or after landing, whether or not the launch vehicle malfunctions.
(2) “Preparations for the launch” in paragraph (1)(a) includes each of the following that are applicable—
(a)transporting, handling and storing of any hazardous material in relation to the launch vehicle;
(b)preparing or testing a payload that will be integrated with the launch vehicle;
(c)integration of a payload with the launch vehicle;
(d)integration of a carrier aircraft with the launch vehicle;
(e)testing of—
(i)the launch vehicle;
(ii)systems on board the launch vehicle;
(iii)ground support equipment;
(iv)other systems to be used in the proposed spaceflight activities.
(3) An applicant for a return operator licence must carry out a ground safety analysis that identifies the major accident hazards that could arise from the launch vehicle, or any part of it, upon or after landing, whether or not the launch vehicle malfunctions.
(4) In the ground safety analysis, the applicant must complete the steps listed in regulation 28(1) for each hazard identified under paragraph (1) or (3).
(5) When identifying hazards under paragraph (1) or (3), the applicant must consider the hazards referred to in paragraph 19 of Schedule 1.
(6) In carrying out the ground safety analysis the applicant must take into account any existing legal requirements relevant to safety.