The European Commission’s draft EU Space Act (draft Act or Act), is a proposal for supranational regulation released in June 2025. Across 118 articles and 10 annexes, the draft Act addresses authorization and registration for space activities, governance by Member States, technical rules, and more. As explored below, the scope of the draft Act is less than certain. However, the generally proposed process for authorization of space operators may be identified.

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Photo of Paolo Esposito Paolo Esposito

Paolo has deep experience in the energy sector. Over the years, he has assisted, and continues to assist, the leading players of the energy market, providing strategic advice in M&A and broad-spectrum project finance operations.

Prior to joining the firm, Paolo led the…

Paolo has deep experience in the energy sector. Over the years, he has assisted, and continues to assist, the leading players of the energy market, providing strategic advice in M&A and broad-spectrum project finance operations.

Prior to joining the firm, Paolo led the Italian department of Energy & Utilities at a multi-practice global law firm and later he lead the Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance practice of an Italian firm.

Photo of Milton "Skip" Smith Milton "Skip" Smith

An Air Force Academy graduate with a doctorate in Space Law, Milton “Skip” Smith, Chair of the Space and Satellite Industry Group, has more than 40 years of experience advising clients on risk management and other issues related to the aerospace industry. Skip…

An Air Force Academy graduate with a doctorate in Space Law, Milton “Skip” Smith, Chair of the Space and Satellite Industry Group, has more than 40 years of experience advising clients on risk management and other issues related to the aerospace industry. Skip handles complex transactional matters and disputes, nationally and internationally. His combination of skills and experience, coupled with an in-depth understanding of legal and regulatory systems, makes him a sought-after advisor in the aerospace industry. He serves a broad spectrum of clients, including large corporations, startups, manufacturers, and launch service providers. During his Air Force tenure, he held significant roles such as Director of Space Law at Space Command and Chief of Space Law for the Air Force.

Skip assists both national and international clients in navigating legal issues from the planning and operation of space assets to launch and on-orbit services, space insurance, and government contract and regulatory matters. He has negotiated and litigated disputes amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. He negotiates and drafts satellite design, manufacture, sale and launch agreements as well as on-orbit servicing agreements including: hosted payload, life extension, refueling and debris removal. He also supports deal teams in evaluation of contracts and other key documents.

Photo of Ester Latorre Ester Latorre

Ester joined Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria in November 2022.

She advises national and international clients, dealing with M&A transactions.

She has significant experience in corporate law and has often worked with companies operating in the energy sector.

Ester is also focused on antitrust…

Ester joined Greenberg Traurig Santa Maria in November 2022.

She advises national and international clients, dealing with M&A transactions.

She has significant experience in corporate law and has often worked with companies operating in the energy sector.

Ester is also focused on antitrust law and State aid issues as she is currently completing a Ph.D. in EU and competition law at the University of Milan.