Protecting Innovation: Intellectual Property Considerations for NASA’s 2026 Innovative Technology Concepts
Key Takeaway: NASA’s 2026 NIAC selections demonstrate how early-stage, federally supported research can lay the foundation for future aerospace breakthroughs. As these technologies mature, innovators should consider intellectual property strategies,...
Tripling Down on Space: U.S. Space Force Expands Launch Contracts to $17B, Raising the Stakes for IP
Key Takeaway: The Space Force’s decision to triple the size of its Lane 1 launch procurement contract underscores its expectation of rapidly increasing demand for commercial space launch services and...
Supersonic Flight Could Return to the U.S. Soon: FAA Proposes Framework for Commercial Supersonic Flight
Key Takeaway: The FAA’s proposed performance-based framework could create a path for routine commercial supersonic flight over land in the U.S. Aerospace companies developing supersonic aircraft, boom-mitigation systems, and compliance...
Space Tech Investment Grows in 2026 Amid Congressional Proposals Affecting Contractual IP Rights
Key Takeaways: Private investment in space technology continues an upward trend in 2026, with increasing growth in late stage and venture growth deals, including private equity purchases. Against a backdrop...
From Waste to Resource: Lunar Wastewater Systems Highlight Emerging Space Infrastructure and a Growing Multi-Use IP Landscape
Key Takeaway: As space exploration moves toward longer-duration missions and sustained human presence, the need for closed-loop systems for water, waste, and air is driving innovation in space infrastructure. These...
Does the USPTO Issue “Secret Patents” on Aerospace Innovations?
Key Takeaways: Despite periodic mentions by aerospace innovators of “secret patents,” this author is not aware of any evidence of such patents. There may be confusion with “Secrecy Orders,” which...
Applied Aerospace & Defense’s IPO Signals Continued Momentum in Defense Manufacturing
Key Takeaways: Ongoing geopolitical tensions are leading to an increase in defense-tech contractors filing for IPOs. Aerospace & defense companies looking to capitalize on this trend should consider strengthening their...
eVTOL Takes Flight: Navigating Certification, Regulation, and IP in Advanced Air Mobility
Key Takeaways: eVTOL aircraft are moving toward real-world deployment, but certification remains a critical hurdle alongside early operational programs like the FAA’s eIPP. As companies advance in parallel, careful coordination...
Proposal for Streamlined U.S. Regulatory Approval for Novel Commercial Space Activities
Key takeaways: The U.S. Office of Space Commerce (“OSC”) has released a proposal for streamlining regulatory approval of novel commercial space activities. The process includes a presumption of approval with...
U.S. Issues Guidance for American Space Nuclear Power Initiative
Key Takeaways: A recently issued U.S. National Initiative encourages collaboration between the federal government and the private sector to accelerate the development and deployment of space-based nuclear power systems. Private...
Veteran Ventures Capital Announces Investment in Hybron Technologies as Hybron Technologies Closes $25M Seed Round
Key Takeaways: Hybron Technologies, a U.S. based Manufacturing company focused on lightweight composites for aerospace and defense applications, closes an oversubscribed $25M seed round. The increased need for domestic production...
Space Force Awards Kratos $447 Million Contract for Missile Warning Tracking
Key Takeaways: Kratos wins $447 million contract with U.S. Space Force to develop a ground management system supporting missile-detecting satellites. This initiative highlights Space Force’s partnerships with industry and underscores...
Emergence of Satellite Energy Stealth Startup and the Importance of IP Strategy
Key Takeaway: A startup in satellite energy transmission emerged from stealth with an oversubscribed seed round of $10 million. Investors and developers of energy technologies can benefit from proactive IP...
FAA Consolidates Commercial Space Launch and Reentry License Approvals
Key Takeaway: A new FAA rule simplifies licensing for space launch and reentry operations. Less red tape may speed innovation in space technologies, as well as the development of associated...
War in Iran Spotlights Innovation for Missile Interception Startups
Key Takeaways: The war in Iran is likely to accelerate innovation for defense technology companies. Innovation is particularly needed to develop low-cost missile interception technology. While established defense technology companies...
Proposed UAH-ASKA Agreement for Drive-And-Fly Aircraft: IP Ownership Issues in Joint Development and Public-Private Partnerships
Key Takeaways: The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and aerospace company ASKA have agreed to explore collaboration on a drive-and-fly aircraft. The proposed joint development exemplifies the need for...
Scope of Government Contractor Immunity From Patent Infringement Further Defined in Mars “Ingenuity” Helicopter Appeal
Key Takeaway: Government contractors who infringe third party patents while performing work “for the Government” and “with the authorization or consent of the Government” are immune from liability for the...
Staking Claims Among the Stars: Patent Protection in the New Space Economy
Key Takeaway: Due to the lower barrier to entry to space, companies that file patents in this developing field now will not only protect their investments but secure an early,...
Thinkorbital Seed Round and IP Considerations for In-Orbit Technologies
Key Takeaway: The funding is the latest example of growing space tech innovation, with implications for regulatory and standards development, as well as for IP issues in protecting off-Earth technologies....
Microgravity Biomanufacturing: Promise, Proof, and Practical Challenges in Orbit
Biomanufacturing in microgravity is emerging as a significant area of technical and commercial interest, but recent research suggests that intellectual property strategy may be as critical as access to orbit....
The Next Era of Aerospace Advancement: AI Optimizing Operations, Safety, and Strategy
AI has become a buzzword synonymous with transformation, revolution, and innovation. Some industries are closer to effectively implementing AI solutions than others, due to the nature of their work and...
