51Launch management plan

51 Launch management plan

(1) The application must include a launch management plan for managing the launch or series of launches and any connected return. (2) The plan must include the applicant’s arrangements and procedures for conducting each launch and any connected return, including the following: (a) arrangements to ensure the safety of associated ground operations; (b) procedures for making any changes to the conduct of the flight; (c) procedures to confirm that the launch vehicle is ready for assembly; (d) procedures for assembly of the launch vehicle; (e) procedures for the integration of payloads; (f) procedures for identifying and responding to adverse weather conditions for launch; (g) procedures for launch countdown; (h) procedures to recover from any anomalies or failures during the launch; (i) for a connected return—the procedures for recovery of each returned space object and for its removal from the place that it lands. (3) The plan must include the following: (a) arrangements for reporting to the Minister on a launch and any connected return; (b) arrangements to ensure that personnel who have duties or functions in connection with a launch or launches and any connected return are properly prepared; (c) arrangements for responding to any problem encountered in conducting a launch or connected return and for taking action to resolve it; (d) a statement identifying all hazardous ground operations associated with a launch or connected return, and a description of the procedures to manage those operations; (e) communications arrangements for a launch and any connected return, including the following; (i) launch area communications; (ii) communications from drop zones to the launch area; (iii) telemetry communications (including the radio frequencies to be used); (iv) emergency communications; (f) procedures for managing any change to a payload, including addressing the effect of the change on the performance and stability of the launch vehicle; (g) the system to be used for: (i) making and keeping records in relation to the operation of the launch vehicle; and (ii) maintaining documentation (such as manuals and procedures) relating to the operation of the launch vehicle; (h) arrangements for maintaining the launch vehicle, including the system for recording scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. (4) The plan must include a timeline for the launch and flight that identifies all safety‑critical events.