A share sale or an enforcement can need consent from several regulators and customers. Lenders need a path to transfer on default, and buyers need consents as conditions.
Across the 3 regimes
ESA and EU
ESA contracts cannot be transferred without prior authorisation, and may not be used as capital to float a company. National licences set their own transfer rules.
United States
FCC approval before assigning a licence or transferring control of the licensee. FAA licences are transferred only by the FAA. CFIUS may review foreign investment.
UK and France
UK: Outer Space Act licences transfer only with written consent; NSI Act mandatory notification for satellite and space technology. France: prior authorisation for a transfer of control of a space object.
The rest of this page sets out the 4 quoted provisions behind these cells, what is usually negotiated, and what lenders and buyers ask. It is free with a work email, along with the full tools, guides and register downloads.
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Related
- Tool: Deal clearance navigator: NSI Act, CFIUS, EU screening and FCC
- Tool: Space M&A terms from the filed agreements
- Tool: Satellite security and transfer rules by country
- Checklist: Satellite licensing and transfer checklist
General information on public law and standard terms as at 28 Oct 2026, not legal advice on any contract or transaction. Quoted wording is checked against the official text linked to it.