Space

Our team has extensive experience in satellite and wireless communications licensing in the United States, particularly for non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite service (FSS) space stations and earth stations. We support multiple launch-services providers in securing the authorizations they need to communicate between ground stations and launch vehicles before, during, and after takeoff. The complex satellite regulatory environment and rapid changes in technologies create numerous challenges for operators. Competitive rivalry among aspiring satellite operators involves an aggressive adversarial process that can pit well-funded applicants against each other. Our representation integrates long-term planning with a keen sense of near-term requirements for securing authorizations needed to provide access to space and support service delivery. We also provide ongoing regulatory counseling and support as clients deploy earth-station facilities, whether gateway satellite earth stations or customer satellite terminals, ensuring timely processing through specialized applications, review, and approval by regulatory authorities at multiple levels of government.

We help protect and expand the building blocks of our clients' businesses: their spectrum and orbital resources. Our work typically begins with careful frequency planning and close collaboration with technical teams to select sound orbits and frequency bands well suited for the operations under consideration. While near-term licensing is essential, clarity regarding future spectrum allocations, conditions, and assignments remains critical for long-term success. Satellite operators must align their spectrum planning to the ever-evolving domestic and international table of allocations years in advance. Our practice considers commercial objectives, market dynamics, political changes, and the regulatory setting as part of a broader strategic approach. We help clients not only navigate spectrum-related regulatory matters but also shape the rules governing operations in ways that support business objectives now and in the future. Over time, we have worked with clients to pursue rule changes to guard against harmful interference and to relax constraints that might otherwise impede service offerings.

Our clients look to us to help manage the uncertainty and risk that the proliferation of orbital debris has created. Orbital debris travels at tremendous speeds—averaging about 10 kilometers per second in low earth orbit (LEO) and even the smallest pieces can disable or destroy operational spacecraft upon collision. The rapid expansion of the number and complexity of NGSO systems, as well as actions by hostile or reckless nation states in LEO, poses challenges to the sustainable development of satellite communications. We help clients engage with domestic and international regulators to develop and implement global policies that promote a sustainable space environment. Our experience includes interference analysis and conflict resolution, ensuring that clients can protect their operations while contributing to the long-term sustainability of space activities.

Our Corporate Practice has extensive experience representing space sector clients in their mergers and acquisitions and other complex corporate transactions. For example, we represented publicly traded Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings in its $5 billion all-cash sale to Lockheed Martin, which was subsequently terminated due to antitrust regulatory hurdles. We represented General Dynamics in multiple M&A and other transactions involving satellite communications and related businesses. We also represented multiple publicly traded and privately held companies that develop and sell space sector technologies, software, products, and services in various M&A transactions. In representing clients on M&A matters, our corporate lawyers work closely with lawyers from our other practice groups to conduct comprehensive due diligence and provide integrated transaction advice and structures.

Our team advises space companies on the full range of government contract matters, including compliance with federal procurement regulations, False Claims Act defense, and representation in disputes arising from government contracts. Our experience spans major aerospace programs and includes deep knowledge of the operational requirements and regulatory frameworks governing space and defense contracts. Representing clients in disputing or defending contract awards, we provide strategic counsel that helps clients navigate complex compliance requirements while protecting their business interests and reputation.

Space operations increasingly intersect with national security concerns and export control regulations. We counsel clients on compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews. Additionally, we advise on Intelligence Community engagement and Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) mitigation. Our experience also includes advising on ATF-related issues associated with rocket manufacturing sites and providing guidance on foreign ownership considerations for companies operating in sensitive technology sectors. We help clients structure operations and transactions to satisfy regulatory requirements while maintaining operational flexibility and market access.

Our Congressional Investigations Practice has strong bipartisan experience across the House and Senate. Multiple congressional committees touch the space industry, including those focused on science, technology, armed services, and commerce. Our lawyers have deep relationships on both sides of the aisle and understand how to navigate high-stakes investigations while protecting client interests and managing reputational risk.

The commercial space sector sits where multiple domains converge—space operations, terrestrial connectivity, national security, and emerging technologies. This integrated structure allows us to approach challenges holistically. When clients seek to deploy new Earth stations, negotiate cloud-based processing agreements, or expand internationally, we manage the full chain of legal tasks—from FCC and NTIA coordination to export licensing, supply-chain vetting, IP protection, and environmental compliance including CERCLA and toxic tort matters related to chemicals such as perchlorate, a component of solid rocket fuel. We work as engineers and advocates in equal measure, translating technical concepts into legal arguments and business strategy. Our integrated approach anticipates risks, accelerates approvals, and positions clients to capitalize on the next wave of commercial and government opportunities.