Spacetech and Satellite

Why Cooley

Our lawyers are well-known for solving groundbreaking legal issues that arise when innovation meets regulation. We represent a wide array of spaced-based operators on matters affecting their businesses – from securing funding and navigating regulatory approvals to protecting essential intellectual property and handling complex disputes. We advise spacetech and satellite companies throughout their business life cycle, along with the investors funding the industry.

Our practice areas include:

  • Regulatory advice on aspects of obtaining regulatory approvals to commence commercial operation and use pioneering technologies.
  • Strategic counseling and policy advocacy on space and satellite matters before US and European regulators.
  • Market-leading technology transactions counsel, venture and debt financings, private equity, buy- and sell-side M&A, and public offerings.
  • CFIUS team with broad exposure to novel technologies and startups, providing unmatched insight into cutting-edge issues in the CFIUS ecosystem.
  • IP prosecution, counseling, licensing and litigation.
  • Cyber/data/privacy capabilities, with a holistic approach to compliance and security.

Cooley’s spacetech and satellite team is part of the CooleyREG offering, through which we combine an understanding of the impact of disruptive advancements – and the regulatory issues that impose risk and slow progress – to help our clients navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

Representative matters:

  • Counsels Iridium Communications on important issues relating to international spectrum allocations and key strategic business matters – including Securities and Exchange Commission compliance, debt financing and matters at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
  • Provides strategic advice to oneNav on the regulatory landscape affecting satellite navigation systems and location services, as well as potential FCC action.
  • Advises EchoStar/Hughes regarding advocacy before the FCC on satellite and spectrum regulatory proceedings – including spectrum allocations, Part 25 streamlining, FCC proceedings on licensing new satellite systems that would repurpose terrestrial wireless spectrum, and rules governing the placement of satellite earth station facilities used to provide high-speed, high-bandwidth services and satellite-to-cellular authorizations.
  • Represents Airbus Ventures regarding several investments in space technology and aerospace companies.
  • Represented ACME Capital in multiple financing vehicles in Astra.
  • Assisted DCVC in private financing matters for Kairos Aerospace.
  • Represented Axiom Space in its request for regulatory approval of private astronaut missions.
  • Counsel 776 in its investments in Interlune Corporation, AstroForge and Stoke Space