Mission contracts
Payload, launch, data, ground segment, in-orbit services, integration and service-level agreements.
Italian legal counsel · Space & Deep Tech
Space and deep technology
Contracts and regulation for space activities, advanced research and dual-use technologies, from experimental work to commercial deployment.
01 / Scope
Issues we address
Legal analysis begins with the operating facts. These are recurring questions, but scope and priorities are defined for each project.
- 01Allocating liability and insurance across operators, suppliers, integrators, launch providers and public bodies.
- 02Protecting research results and know-how while accommodating publications, funding conditions, background IP and commercial use.
- 03Assessing export controls, dual use, foreign-investment screening and technology transfers in international partnerships.
- 04Coordinating national authorisations, registration, radio spectrum, debris mitigation and mission contracts.
02 / Services
Legal services
The work may cover one issue or coordinate several workstreams. Scope, assumptions and deliverables are agreed before the engagement.
Research and development
Consortia, grants, university agreements, background and foreground IP, publication and confidentiality.
Space authorisations
Italian and EU scope analysis, documentation, accountability and regulatory engagement.
Dual use and export
Preliminary classification, clauses, end-use, transfers, investment screening and supply-chain controls.
Data and Earth observation
Licensing, access, reuse, security, personal data and downstream service terms.
Risk allocation
Liability, indemnities, insurance, force majeure, delay and change-control mechanisms.
03 / Framework
Essential legal framework
The applicable framework depends on the activity, parties and jurisdictions. The following sources are a starting point, not an exhaustive list.
UN space treaties
International responsibility, registration, rescue and peaceful use remain the foundation of space law.
Italian space-activity framework
Authorisation, supervision, registration and liability must be assessed against the specific activity.
ITU and spectrum rules
Frequency and orbital coordination affect engineering choices, authorisations and schedules.
Regulation (EU) 2021/821
Exports, technical assistance, transfers and end-use may require classification and controls.
04 / Method
A method built around the matter
The Firm combines legal analysis with an understanding of the operational context. Advice identifies assumptions, dependencies and decisions rather than presenting regulation in the abstract.
Map the facts
We identify the operating model, parties, documents, technologies, decisions and deadlines.
Define the framework
We distinguish binding duties, contractual choices, uncertainties and issues requiring technical input.
Set priorities
Options are presented with consequences, dependencies and a sequence that the organisation can execute.
Support execution
We assist with documents, negotiations, internal decisions and engagement with counterparties or authorities.
05 / Connections
Related practices and analysis
06 / FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When does a space activity require Italian authorisation?
It depends on the activity, operator, connection with Italy and applicable implementing rules. The specific mission must be assessed.
Does a launch agreement cover the full mission?
No. Payload, data, integration, ground segment, frequencies, insurance and other suppliers require coordinated arrangements.
Does every dual-use technology transfer require a licence?
No. Classification, destination, recipient, end-use and transfer method determine the controls.
How should research results be protected?
Background, results, access, publications, patents, software, trade secrets and exploitation rights should be agreed before work begins.
Discuss the Italian or EU dimension of your project.
Describe the activity, the decision to be made and any deadline. An initial exchange helps identify conflicts, scope and the information required. Sending an enquiry does not create a lawyer-client relationship.