Space Exploration and Innovation

AKD Partners s global Space Exploration and Innovation group is a multi-disciplinary team strategically placed around the world in key space industry hubs. We have technical subject matter leaders based in Washington, DC, the Florida Space Coast, and Houston in the US; in established markets like the UK, Germany and various jurisdictions in the APAC region; and in relatively new investors to space programs, like the United Arab Emirates and Slovakia. We collaborate with space agencies in various jurisdictions, and deliver tailored solutions to start-ups and industry titans alike. We have experience in national security and government contracts, and are truly focused on space beyond telecoms and satellites.

The value chain of space projects presents complex legal, regulatory, and technical issues for businesses, investors and governments. Our team tackles issues across all needs, from securing funding and navigating regulatory hurdles to protecting critical intellectual property and overcoming complex disputes.

The space sector is experiencing unparalleled innovation, investment and development with the global industry projected to be worth over USD1.8 trillion by 2035, growing at a rate of 5.1% per year until 2040. With 96% of the universe still to be explored and a surge of new companies emerging, come unique legal challenges and responsibilities.

The space sector is extensively regulated on matters ranging from orbital debris and space sustainability to spectrum sharing and imaging the Earth from orbit. The rapid development of innovative technologies has resulted in increasingly complex regulatory frameworks globally. We help our clients navigate these challenges while aligning with their strategic priorities, business objectives, and operational capabilities.

Emerging Growth and Venture Capital We guide early-stage space companies during their most critical inflection points, helping them raise the capital necessary to take their vision to market but also assist VC investors active in the space industry.

Corporate, Licensing and Strategic Transactions When it is time for space exploration companies to grow, pursue a transformative collaboration or seek an exit transaction, AKD Partners has the depth and breadth of experience to be a strategic partner. Whether through an acquisition, joint venture or collaboration, structured license arrangements, IPO, or recapitalization or return investor capital, we help clients craft, negotiate, and execute agreements and transactions that enhance and reflect the value they have created.

Regulatory As the space industry expands, we ensure compliance with all regulatory frameworks and treaties. Our practitioners provide nimble regulatory compliance advice to clients at the cutting edge of emerging industries such as space exploration, helping them comply with all applicable laws and treaties.

Government Affairs We combine political intelligence, sector insights, and a nuanced understanding of market conditions to deliver solutions that put policy on your side.

National Security and Global Trade In the emerging space sector, global companies rely on trade, and government policies shape markets worldwide. Our team helps space exploration companies, government entities, and investors navigate complex trade landscapes influenced by evolving geopolitical forces.

Government Contracting As countries continue to increase their spend on civilian and defense space programs, new opportunities arise every day. In this regard, we support both traditional space sector companies (e.g., aerospace and defense, satellite imaging, launch) as well as more nascent space-related businesses (e.g., zero-gravity R&D, robotics, space infrastructure). We advise on contract formation and administration processes, bid and proposal development, negotiations, bid protest and contract disputes, audits and investigations. We know the different contracting mechanisms, including procurement contracts, grants, cooperative R&D, and other non-traditional contracting mechanisms. We collaborate with our Corporate teams to advise on risks and mitigations in M&A involving government contractors in the space sector.

Commercial Contracting The commercial use of space exploration has introduced new fields of contracting as well. We handle R&D agreements, outsourcing, development agreements, the sale and licensing of space technologies, and contracts for public-private partnerships.

Global Employment Space companies face unique employment challenges due to their niche workforce and diverse global operations. We address issues in regulatory compliance, contracts, benefits, labor relations, and training. We resolve high-stakes disputes like non-compete litigation, whistleblower investigations, and class actions. We help identify workforce risks and opportunities these companies need to grow their business.

Dispute Resolution and Liability An increase in disputes is expected, for instance as a result of orbital congestion and debris, and associated risks to space assets. Our team includes dedicated aerospace litigators with substantial experience in high-profile litigation and investigations. We balance legal and regulatory risks with your commercial priorities to resolve disputes without disrupting your growth goals.

IP Strategies We advise on high-profile matters involving the complex intersection of new technological developments and intellectual property law.

Sustainable space exploration With great opportunity comes the responsibility to achieve sustainable space use. At the same time, companies are incentivized by for instance lowering costs of launch licenses and insurance for sustainable satellites and space missions. We monitor these developments to ensure our clients are best positioned to develop effective, responsible business strategies.

De-orbiting, end-of-life and orbital debris Partly related to sustainability, increasing debris in space is a growing concern. With increasing congestion, liability becomes more complex particularly when assets involve multiple states. We help companies to minimize risk before, during and after operation, particularly through efficient end-of-life strategies that take into account legal and social responsibility.