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5.08.26
FCC Sets New Satellite Spectrum Sharing Framework
On April 30, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted an Order fundamentally revising how satellite systems share spectrum in the Ku and Ka bands, replacing the decades-old Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits with a performance-based coordination framework for managing interference between geostationary (GSO) and non-geostationary (NGSO) satellite systems. By reforming the EPFD regime, the FCC has removed a longstanding regulatory constraint that was developed to protect GSO systems but has arguably limited NGSO operators’ ability to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband services.
Client Highlights
5.07.26
Wilson Sonsini Advises Astranis on $450 Million Fundraise
On May 6, 2026, Astranis, an advanced satellite manufacturer, announced it has raised $450 million in new capital, bringing the company’s total raised to more than $1.2 billion as it scales to meet increased demand for its spacecraft designed for geostationary orbit and other high orbits. The funding includes a new $300 million Series E round co-led by Snowpoint Ventures and Franklin Templeton, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz, funds and accounts managed by affiliates of BlackRock, Baillie Gifford, and Fidelity Management & Research Company, as well as BAM Elevate, Nimble Partners, and Friends & Family Capital, along with other existing and new investors. A delayed-draw credit facility by Trinity Capital adds up to $155 million of additional capital to support the addition of new manufacturing capacity and support future growth. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Astranis on the transactions.
Client Highlights
5.06.26
Wilson Sonsini Advises BioOrbit on $13.2 Million Seed Round
On April 30, 2026, BioOrbit, a space manufacturing company developing hardware for the large-scale crystallization of protein drugs, announced the completion of a $13.2 million (£9.8 million) seed round co-led by LocalGlobe and BREEGA, with support from Seedcamp, Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund, Type One Ventures, 7percent Ventures and other investors. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised BioOrbit on the transaction.
Bylined Articles
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.
Client Highlights
4.14.26
Wilson Sonsini Advises Special Committee of the Board in Globalstar's Acquisition by Amazon
On April 14, 2026, Amazon and Globalstar announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire Globalstar, a leading mobile satellite services (MSS) operator, a pioneer in non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites and D2D technology, and a provider of critical and emergency communications to customers around the world. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is representing the special committee of Globalstar’s board of directors on the transaction.
Client Highlights
3.31.26
Wilson Sonsini Advises Helix Earth on $12 Million Seed 2 Funding
On March 26, 2026, Helix Earth, a hardware company built on proprietary liquid-gas chemistry with roots in NASA aerospace technology, announced the successful close of its $12 million oversubscribed Seed 2 funding. The oversubscribed financing round was led by Veriten, with participation from Rua Ventures, Carnrite Ventures, Skywriter LLC, Textbook Ventures, and others. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Helix Earth on the transaction and WS Investments participated in the round.
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.
Client Highlights
9.17.25
Firm Advises Planet Labs on $460 Million Convertible Senior Notes Offering
On September 12, 2025, Planet Labs, PBC, completed an upsized offering of $460 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030, in a private transaction. The offering amount included the exercise in full of the option that Planet Labs had granted to the initial purchasers to purchase up to an additional $60 million of notes. In connection with the offering, Planet Labs entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with an affiliate of one of the initial purchasers and certain other financial institutions. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Planet Labs on the transaction.
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.