Industry

Space & Satellite

Advancing Growth and Leadership Across the Space Economy

Sheppard’s Space & Satellite team guides visionary clients shaping the future of the space and satellite industry.  

From new ventures to established leaders, we help space and satellite clients navigate regulatory, commercial, corporate and national security challenges. 

Advancing Innovation Beyond Earth

We are trusted partners to the visionaries building tomorrow’s space infrastructure. For us, success means celebrating right beside you at your next launch. Dedication to our clients' missions fuels everything we do. 

With more than 15 years of experience in space and satellite law, we deliver targeted advice across FCC licensing, spectrum management, satellite procurement, infrastructure agreements and national security clearances and compliance. Our industry relationships and regulatory insight help clients navigate complex commercial and technical landscapes, from initial launch to global operations. 

Our regulatory lawyers guide clients at every stage. This includes securing FCC licenses, managing and coordinating spectrum access, obtaining operating authority from bodies like NOAA and the ITU, and leading clients through compliance milestones. We help innovators navigate regulatory frameworks as emerging technologies outpace current regulations, creating future-proof solutions for satellite operators and service providers. 

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Areas of Focus

Regulatory
We help clients secure authorizations from the FCC, FAA, NOAA and ITU, covering satellites, launch vehicles, earth stations and spectrum access. Our team also advocates in important rulemakings and policy proceedings, ensuring client interests shape evolving regulatory frameworks for space and satellite operations at national and international levels.
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Commercial Contracts
Sheppard structures and negotiates satellite procurement, launch services, hosted payload, capacity leasing and infrastructure agreements. We balance technical, regulatory and commercial considerations to deliver contracts that protect clients’ interests, allocate risk and support the timely deployment and monetization of space and satellite assets worldwide.
Investment, Corporate and M&A
Our team represents investors, operators and strategic partners in acquisitions, financings, joint ventures and equity investments in space and satellite businesses. We provide integrated advice across corporate, regulatory and national security issues, helping clients structure deals that withstand scrutiny, close efficiently and achieve long-term objectives.
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National Security & CFIUS
Space and satellite investments often involve national security reviews. Sheppard advises clients on CFIUS, Team Telecom, export controls and sanctions, and DCSA compliance, helping them navigate sensitive cross-border transactions and regulatory obligations. We balance business priorities with compliance, working closely with government stakeholders to secure approvals while protecting interests and assets.
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Litigation and Arbitration
We represent space and satellite clients in disputes involving launch contracts, procurement agreements, spectrum rights and other high-value assets. Our litigation and arbitration experience includes both international and U.S. disputes, where we combine technical knowledge with advocacy skills to resolve cases efficiently while protecting financial and strategic interests.
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Government Contracts
Sheppard counsels companies contracting with the U.S. government, including through FAR-based agreements, SBIR awards and OTA frameworks. We guide clients on compliance, procurement and performance issues unique to space and satellite projects, helping them compete effectively for government opportunities while mitigating risk in a heavily regulated environment. 
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