This website will offer limited functionality in this browser. We only support the recent versions of major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

Search the website

Space and satellites

Ensuring our clients in the space and satellites sector meet evolving commercial challenges and regulatory changes in satellite procurement, satellite launch, spaceport development, in-orbit servicing and manufacturing, satellite data and IP licensing, risk management and project financing.

A Space Satellite Above The Earth's Surface

The space sector is one of the most exciting growth areas for UK industry, offering significant opportunities for innovation and commercial development.

However, it is also subject to complex and rapidly evolving regulatory requirements, as well as unique commercial challenges.

From satellite communications and earth observation to the development of spaceports and military uses, navigating this landscape across the industry supply chain requires a deep understanding of both technical and legal frameworks.

We bring extensive experience advising on complex space projects, including satellite systems procurement, equipment supply, satellite launch, UK spaceport development, service delivery and operations outsourcing, satellite data and IP licensing, cyber security, project financing and military and dual-use challenges.

Our expertise spans commercial and public sector projects, covering both civil and military domains, and combines first-hand practical experience of the industry with a thorough understanding of the international and UK legal framework governing space activities. This unique blend enables us to offer tailored commercial advice on all aspects of a space project, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Whether advising on military, civil or commercial issues, or integrating with legacy systems, our multidisciplinary approach ensures that we are well-equipped to help our clients meet the challenges and exploit the opportunities of the space sector.

Services

Satellite financing

Comprehensive guidance on financing satellite and space-related projects, including private and public finance.

Military satellite projects

Legal advice on the procurement and operation of military satellite systems.

Liability and risk for space activities

Managing liability and risk for space-related activities, ensuring protection and compliance.

Managing service and asset transition

Legal advice on transitioning services and assets within the space sector.

Space system procurement

Legal support for procurements of satellite and space system technology, including negotiating commercial contracts for the design, manufacture and operation of space systems.

Regulatory and licensing issues

Advising on compliance with regulatory and licensing frameworks for space activities, including spectrum and launch.

In-orbit servicing and manufacturing

Comprehensive legal support to NewSpace companies entering the IOSM sector, from negotiation of commercial agreements with third parties to navigating regulatory frameworks and ensuring with compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Examples of our work

UK Ministry of Defence

Advising on the SKYNET programme for more than 25 years.

ExoAnalytic Solutions

Advising US-based ExoAnalytic Solutions, a global leader in space domain awareness services (SSA), on its acquisition of UK-based startup 3S Northumbria.

Private sector clients

Advising defence and aerospace clients on teaming agreements, manufacturing contracts for spacecraft parts and research services, ensuring robust contractual frameworks for developing mission-critical spacecraft parts.

UAE Armed Forces

Advising on the YahSat military satellite communications project, including negotiating a capacity services agreement and ground terminal support contract, ensuring secure, mission-critical communication capabilities.

01
04

Space Scotland logo

Burges Salmon is a proud sponsor of Space Scotland, working collaboratively to unlock growth in Scotland’s commercial space sector. Our space law experts are dedicated to providing tangible benefits to Space Scotland members and the wider space community. By committing our expertise and resources we support Space Scotland’s working groups, provide members with a legal helpline, and offer access to the firm’s innovative BScale platform which delivers high-quality legal advice tailored for start-ups, scale-ups, founders, and investors.

Space Industry Act 2018

Read our guide on the regulations under the Space Industry Act 2018, which came into effect in 2021 and enabled commercial spaceflight to be carried out from the UK.

Read our guide here

Insights

01
05