Michael C. Mineiro

Dr. Michael C. Mineiro advises launch providers, satellite operators, space-based service providers, software, communications, and other technology companies and investors on legal and policy issues tied to outer space activities. He works across regulatory counseling, disputes, and compliance, with a focus on satellite remote sensing, satellite communications, and commercial space operations. With more than 15 years in both government and industry, he brings perspective from service on Capitol Hill and in the Executive Branch, as well as experience leading legal and policy functions inside a space and defense company.

Mike counsels companies on U.S. regulatory frameworks and licensing, including matters before agencies such as the FCC, FAA, and Department of Commerce. He helps clients navigate compliance obligations, address investigations and oversight inquiries, and align business objectives with evolving legislative and regulatory developments affecting commercial space activities and satellite technology.

Mike’s government background includes serving as staff director and senior counsel to the Space Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where he assisted in oversight, prepared for congressional investigations, and drafted and negotiated legislation, including the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act of 2015 and the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017. He also served as a senior policy analyst and liaison to the National Space Council in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, advising senior leadership and leading interagency policy development. Earlier, he served in the Office of the General Counsel and in the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service at NOAA, and was a member of the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

Before returning to private practice, Mike led the in-house team responsible for policy strategy, government contracts, intellectual property, space regulatory licensing, and compliance at a space and defense company.

Concentrations

•Commercial space activities and satellite technology
•Space and satellite legal, regulatory and policy issues
•Lunar Mining & Space Resources
•Novel Space Operational Licensing
•Remote Sensing Satellite Licensing (Department of Commerce)
•Launch and Experimental Vehicle Licensing (Department of Transportation & FAA)
•Space Payload Determinations (Department of Transportation & FAA)
•Spacecraft FCC Licensing (Part 25 and Part 5)
•Congressional Lobbying Space and Defense
•White House Lobbying Space and Defense
•Novel Space Commercial Contracts
•Space Government Contracts (Title 10, Title 50, NASA, DOC, NRO, NGA, ODNI, DoD)
•85-804, Indemnification
•Classified Government Contracting

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, Space, 2025
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States
•Media, Technology and Telecoms: Telecoms and Broadcast: Regulatory: 2024-2025
•International Trade: Customs, Export Controls and Economic Sanctions, 2025