Space and Satellites
How can we help?
The space sector brings together regulation, technology, telecommunications, defence, data and capital. So do we.
Our team combines space-specific regulatory expertise with market-leading capability across spectrum licensing, technology procurement, digital infrastructure, privacy, cybersecurity, AI, property and environment, corporate transactions, finance, competition and government projects.
We advise launch and infrastructure providers, satellite operators, innovators, investors, start-ups, technology providers, government agencies and defence-sector participants across the space economy.
Whether you are entering the Australian market, seeking launch or return permits, securing spectrum, raising capital, procuring infrastructure, managing export controls, or contracting for launch or ground-station services, we help you move quickly whilst managing complexity and risk. We also guide you through evolving critical-infrastructure, data and cyber obligations.
We can help you with
We support clients across the space value chain - from launch and satellite infrastructure to communications, financing, regulation, data, technology and commercialisation.
Launch, return and space activity approvals
We advise on launch facility licences, launch permits, high-power rocket permits, overseas payload permits, return authorisations, technology safeguards, export controls as well as related aviation, planning and safety approvals.
Satellite and communications
We advise on telecommunications and radiocommunications regulation, satellite network licensing, ITU and ACMA processes, ground station infrastructure and agreements, and space-enabled communications services.
Raising capital
We advise on financing, M&A, joint ventures and other corporate transactions as well as government grants and funding agreements.
Data, technology and infrastructure
We advise on projects for the procurement, development and licensing of technology and infrastructure as well as IP commercialisation and data, AI, cyber, privacy and critical infrastructure regulation.
Property, planning and environmental
We advise on the property, planning and environmental issues associated with space infrastructure and operations.
Space and Satellites Experience
SpaceX
On the Australian legal aspects of its retail offer to Australian investors as part of its USD75 billion US IPO, which extended the IPO to retail investors in certain other jurisdictions outside the US, a world first.
Foresight Australia and OPTrust
On their investment in Skykraft, an Australian start-up launching low-Earth orbit satellites to support global air traffic management communications.
A US geostationary satellite operator
On establishing an Australian subsidiary, overseas payload permit application, ITU orbital slot filings, ACMA coordination and FIRB approval for Australian satellite and ground-station operations.
Private equity consortium led by Apax and Warburg Pincus
On its USD6 billion take-private of Inmarsat, including change-of-control consent conditions for FIRB and ACCC approval.
In-Q-Tel
On its seed investment in Fleet Space, an Australian space technology business.
SES
On the sale of its Australian ground stations to NewSat and associated back-to-back long-term agreements for the provision of end-to-end services.
H.R.L. Morrison & Co
On mezzanine financing to support Kacific Broadband Satellites Group’s design, manufacture and launch of the Kacific-1 satellite on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
High Tor Capital
On their investment into Hypersonix Launch Systems, a Brisbane-based startup developing reusable hydrogen-powered hypersonic aircraft.
Eutelsat
On the application of the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (Cth) to its space assets.