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Space

The space sector is experiencing rapid expansion, with the emergence of New Space revolutionizing technologies and uses related to space. The legal challenges are numerous, encompassing space law, intellectual property, telecommunications, and the financing of space projects. We support our clients in mastering these complex issues by offering expertise tailored to their specific needs.

 

Areas of practice

We take part in various domains related to the space sector to address the legal challenges faced by our clients.

Telecommunications and networks

We address legal aspects related to space telecommunications, including obtaining licenses from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), managing orbits, orbital positions, and frequencies. We clarify the application of complex regulations to ensure compliance of operations.

Space law

We offer expertise in space law, including the application of national space law and international treaties. We advise on the necessary authorizations for space operations, liability issues in case of incidents, and obligations related to the French decree n° 2024-625.

Litigation

We represent our clients in litigation related to space activities, including commercial disputes, liability for damages caused by satellites or launchers, and regulatory issues.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a major concern for the space sector, with increased risks of cyberattacks on satellites, launchers, and ground infrastructure. We help our clients design legal cybersecurity strategies, respond to incidents, and comply with international regulations on protecting space systems from digital intrusions and attacks.

Data

We assist our clients in managing space data, including ownership, protection, and sharing of data from satellites and constellations. We also advise on issues related to cyberattacks and the security of space data.

Industrial and intellectual property

We advise on industrial and intellectual property in the space sector, helping to protect patents, inventions, and technological innovations related to rockets, launchers, and satellites. We support clients in patent filing processes and the management of intellectual property rights.

Taxation

We advise our clients on tax issues specific to space-related activities, both at the national and international levels. Our support includes tax optimization for entities operating in the space sector, management of VAT and customs duties applicable to space goods and services, as well as matters related to the taxation of income generated from the exploitation of space data or infrastructure.

Insurance

Space activities involve significant risks requiring tailored insurance solutions. We assist our clients in subscribing to insurance policies to cover risks related to launches, satellites, and space infrastructure. We also address indemnification issues in case of incidents and manage insurance-related disputes.

Financing

We assist our clients in the financing of space projects, supporting them with financial structuring and financing agreements. We provide guidance on public and private funding opportunities to support the development of innovative projects in the New Space sector.

International and domestic arbitration

We support our clients in international and domestic arbitration procedures related to space activities. This includes resolving disputes concerning space contracts, consortium agreements, and issues related to intellectual and industrial property.

ADR & mediation

We offer alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and mediation solutions to amicably settle disputes in the space sector. These methods help preserve commercial relationships and find solutions tailored to the specifics of space projects.

Learn more about De Gaulle Fleurance and the space sector

 

Position Your Business in a Rapidly Evolving Sector

 

Our achievements in the space sector

Published by Chambers and Partners, this guide covers a dozen key jurisdictions and explores in detail the transformation of the space sector—from state-led management to increasing privatization involving numerous commercial players. It addresses the legal and regulatory aspects of space exploration, international treaties, ownership of extraterrestrial resources, protection of the space environment, as well as tax and investment issues. Led by De Gaulle Fleurance, the “Space Law” guide also covers radio frequency coordination and various multilateral efforts, such as EU space legislation.

discover “space law”

SPATIO – Space Professional Association for Technical and Institutional Affairs in Orbit is the think tank of which De Gaulle Fleurance is a founding member. Its goal is to unite and energize the French and European space ecosystem. Bringing together companies, institutions, investors, and the academic world, this non-profit organization provides a privileged space for dialogue, monitoring, and co-creation. Through regular meetings and thematic working groups, SPATIO develops concrete recommendations aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and innovation of the space industry in France and Europe.

Learn more about Spatio

 

To bring our expertise in the space sector to life, we regularly organize and host conferences and webinars dedicated to the major challenges of space. In recent months, we have held events such as “Space: Challenges of a Booming Sector,” and “European Space Market: New Collaborations,” aiming to bring together industry stakeholders around key current issues.

These events provide opportunities to share experiences, legal insights, and market perspectives to foster innovation and collaboration within the space ecosystem.

Discover our events

We supported the construction and operation of the first submarine cable directly connecting French Guiana to the European Union. This strategic infrastructure project helps secure technological exchanges, reduce telecommunications costs by a factor of three, and strengthen digital continuity between mainland France and its overseas territories.

 

Advising on the purchase, launch, and operation of a telecommunications satellite payload to provide very high-speed internet coverage to populations in the Amazon region, within the framework of a public service delegation.

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Deals

societe-generale
Deals 18 March 2025
De Gaulle Fleurance advises the lenders on the financing of Capital Export’s acquisition of a share in Symétrie, with the support of CELDA Mezzanine

Our professionals

Samantha
Nataf
Partner
Cédric
Mutelet
Legal Counsel - Senior
Laetitia
Cesari
Legal Counsel - Senior
Frédéric
Destal
Partner

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    News

    Publications 10 July 2025
    Space Law: De Gaulle Fleurance contributes to the 2nd edition of the Chambers & Partners guide
    marche-spatial-europeen
    Events
    17/06/202510h00
    European space market: new partnerships
    Publications 12 July 2024
    De Gaulle Fleurance invites you to explore the inaugural “Space Law” guide, created in partnership with Chambers & Partners.
    Articles 21 May 2024
    De Gaulle Fleurance announces the launch of SPATIO, a think tank dedicated to the space sector