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4.15.26
Blake Brief: Is There Space for Foreign-Owned Launch Service Providers with the Federal Government?
In SatMagazine’s latest article, “Is There Space for Foreign-Owned Launch Service Providers with the Federal Government?,” author attorneys Curt Blake and Tim Cox discuss the regulatory challenges foreign launch service providers face when seeking contracts with the U.S. government. The article explains how the Commercial Space Act of 1998 requires launch services to be provided by U.S. commercial providers, which involves strict ownership and operational criteria. It emphasizes that understanding and meeting the requirements, such as the National Space Transportation Policy’s mandate for U.S.-manufactured launch vehicles—despite the unclear definition of “manufacture” complicating compliance for companies with international supply chains—is crucial to remain eligible for federal contracts.
Bylined Articles
2.06.26
The Blake Brief: AI and Earth Observation: A New Lens on Our Planet
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, “AI and Earth Observation: A New Lens on Our Planet,” examines how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing Earth Observation (EO)—the gathering and analysis of data about the Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological systems—by enhancing data processing capabilities, improving analysis accuracy, and enabling real-time insights.
Bylined Articles
10.22.25
Blake Brief: Solar Harvesting in the High Frontier
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, “Solar Harvesting in the High Frontier,” highlights recent breakthroughs in launch technology and high-efficiency solar cells, along with how the potential for large-scale, in-orbit maintenance, has renewed the interest in space-based solar power (SBSP). Proponents believe SBSP could provide a sustainable energy source with competitive pricing and lower emissions compared to traditional methods, while critics caution that the technology still faces substantial viability challenges and could introduce new environmental risks.
Bylined Articles
9.10.25
The Blake Brief: The FCC’s Final Frontier Agenda
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, “The FCC’s Final Frontier Agenda,” examines the FCC’s initiative to unlock 20,000 MHz of spectrum for satellite operations, a significant move aimed at enhancing satellite communication capabilities. This proposal is part of the FCC’s broader “Final Frontiers” agenda to promote “spectrum abundance” and secure U.S. leadership in the NewSpace economy.
Bylined Articles
9.08.25
Artificial Intelligence: A New Frontier in Space Exploration
The American Bar Association has published "Artificial Intelligence: A New Frontier in Space Exploration," authored by Wilson Sonsini attorneys Stefan Geirhofer, Christopher Murray, Scott McKinney, and Curt Blake. The article, which appears in the Summer 2025 issue of ABA’s The SciTech Lawyer, explores the intersection of AI and NewSpace, focusing particularly on best practices for commercial contracting and protecting intellectual property (IP) rights. It also covers various use cases for AI in the NewSpace industry and how international treaties provide guiding principles on space use.
Alerts
7.21.25
Streamlining Innovation in Space-Related Acquisitions: OMB Proposes a Broadening of NASA’s Procurement Tools
In July 2025, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed legislative changes to current procurement laws that include a recommendation to provide the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with permanent statutory authority to utilize Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs) and Other Transaction agreements (OTAs). These acquisition tools, long used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), are designed to reduce procurement barriers, accelerate timelines, and enable engagement with innovative commercial vendors, particularly those that do not traditionally contract with the federal government. Together, these changes are intended to substantially enhance NASA’s ability to access cutting-edge technologies and support complex mission needs by enabling NASA to engage in faster, more agile procurement, reduce administrative overhead, and broaden participation by start-ups, research institutions, and commercial technology providers.
Bylined Articles
6.16.25
The Blake Brief: FCC Eyes Overhaul of Ka- and Ku-Band Satellite Spectrum Sharing Rules
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, “FCC Eyes Overhaul of Ka- and Ku-Band Satellite Spectrum Sharing Rules,” discusses the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at reviewing the spectrum-sharing framework between geostationary and non-geostationary (NGSO) satellite systems. This initiative, championed by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, aims to modernize regulations that have not kept pace with the rapid growth of the satellite industry, particularly from NGSO operators. The NPRM considers a petition from NGSOs to eliminate outdated equivalent power flux density limits, which have sparked significant debate among satellite operators.
Bylined Articles
4.24.25
The Blake Brief: U.S. Federal Government Contracts For Space Companies (Part II)
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, “U.S. Federal Government Contracts for Space Companies (Part II),” provides important considerations for non-U.S. NewSpace companies looking to engage in U.S. government contracts, including establishing a U.S. legal entity, security clearance requirements, and compliance with export controls. Additionally, the article outlines the advantages of partnering with established U.S. contractors to reduce risks and improve chances of success in this complex procurement environment.
Bylined Articles
3.07.25
Wilson Sonsini’s March 2025 Sat Magazine Blake Brief: U.S. Federal Government Contracts for Space Companies (Part I)
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, “U.S. Federal Government Contracts for Space Companies (Part I),” outlines the complexities of the U.S. federal procurement system, highlighting its regulations and compliance obligations for contractors. The article also emphasizes the importance for companies to register on www.sam.gov and meeting eligibility criteria, including adherence to the Buy American Act and compliance with cybersecurity and labor standards.
Bylined Articles
2.03.25
The Blake Brief: AI & New Space: The Next Frontier?
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, titled, “AI & New Space: The Next Frontier?” and authored by Stefan Geirhofer, Scott McKinney, and Curt Blake, explores the intersection of NewSpace and AI technologies and its unique legal challenges due to international laws governing space activities. NewSpace companies must leverage federal regulations to limit liability and comply with mandatory insurance coverage to navigate this complex regulatory environment.
Bylined Articles
10.16.24
The Blake Brief: Navigating Foreign Investments for U.S. Space Companies
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, titled "Navigating Foreign Investments for U.S. Space Companies," and authored by Nimit Dhir, Curt Blake, and Peter Bratton, highlights the importance of careful consideration of investment for U.S. space-focused companies. Navigating foreign investment requires an in-depth understanding of several regulatory authorities, as each have unique triggers for reporting changes in foreign investment or ownership. Understanding and addressing these requirements is crucial, particularly given the potential national security implications associated with these industries. A comprehensive approach to regulatory compliance is advised for ensuring seamless operations.
Bylined Articles
9.18.24
The Blake Brief India: New Space Success
SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, titled “India: New Space Success” and authored by Curt Blake, chronicles the author's experience navigating the complex realm of satellite launches amid geopolitical tensions and export restrictions, while serving as CEO of Spaceflight Industries. Seeking to overcome impediments created by U.S.-Russian tension in 2014, Spaceflight Industries turned to the Indian space sector, thus discovering a vastly underestimated community. Despite the initial absence of mainstream acknowledgment and the presence of regulatory obstacles, the author maintains an enduring optimism for the expanding contribution of India to global space exploration.