It all started in 1996, when I was in Texas as a young exchange student from Belgium. I was captivated by the country’s spirit of "everything is possible". That year lit a fire in me, and I decided to chase audacious goals. After graduating from law school, a short stint as a trainee Air Force pilot, and a life-altering accident that nearly ended my dreams, I found my purpose in the space sector, becoming a space lawyer.

Why Space Law? I believe our destiny is bound to the stars. The opportunities in space are fabulous. But it can't be a new Wild West. Not on my watch! I'm a dreamer, inspired by sci-fi greats like Arthur C. Clarke and Frank Herbert, but I'm also a doer. I believe the laws and technologies we create for space can guide how we manage and protect Earth. So far, we've had it backward. My mission is bold yet grounded: to transform how we view and interacts with space, making it a domain governed by ethical and sustainable principles.

Initially, space law was primarily the domain of international institutions and focused on discussions around international space treaties. Lawyers working in this field rarely identified as 'space lawyers.' However, with the explosion of the new space industry, the transactional work of space lawyers has gained visibility. Space business is, fundamentally, like any other business, yet it has its unique challenges in crafting and negotiating agreements, especially concerning liabilities, intellectual property, service delivery, insurances, and regulatory considerations.

In the early 2000s, I had the privilege of contributing to a project at the European Commission, co-authoring a professional book titled "European Trajectories in Space Law." From there, I moved to working in various EU Framework Programme projects dealing with space applications. My career path then took me through roles at Airbus, IBM, and the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), where I led legal efforts. I’m now a World Economic Forum Expert on Space and my peers at Amazon's Project Kuiper can vouch for my relentless drive and foresight in regulatory matters. Yet, my most fulfilling venture has been founding Orbital Reach, a consultancy firm embodying my interdisciplinary expertise and vision for a sustainable space future.

Embarking on a career in the space sector doesn't require a tech background. Instead, it's about utilizing your unique skills and delving into the sector's complexities. Start with education—not to master space technology overnight but to lay a solid foundation. This can be through online courses, webinars, and trusted reading materials.

The space industry is of course more than just engineering and science; it needs legal experts, policy makers, business developers, and communicators. Reflect on how your skills, whether in law, finance, or education, can contribute. Finding your niche is a key steppingstone.

Networking emerges as a key strategy in this journey. Engage with professionals on LinkedIn, attend conferences, and join forums. Participating in space-related organizations can also offer practical experience and open doors to opportunities. These platforms often lead to partnerships and job offers.

For those finding a gap between their current skill set and the industry's demands, further education might be a worthwhile investment. Specialized courses in space law, policy, or project management can equip you with the knowledge to stand out. However, the entry into the space sector often begins with small steps. Entry-level positions, internships, and volunteer roles in space companies or organizations can provide crucial industry experience and a foot in the door.

Persistence and flexibility are also your allies on this journey. The competitive nature of the space sector means opportunities may not always align with your initial expectations. Remaining open to learning and adapting your career path as you gain more industry insight is essential. Stay informed on space news and trends to identify where your skills could be most valuable. For updates, consider following my newsletter: https://www.jointrailblazers.space/.

Engaging in personal projects or research demonstrates your passion and initiative to employers. Activities like blogging about space policy or joining an amateur astronomy club can make you stand out.

Lastly, never underestimate the power of transferable skills. Qualities such as problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are highly prized in the space sector. These skills, often honed in completely different contexts, can be your ticket to a fulfilling career in space.

For those aspiring to a space career without a tech background, there are ample opportunities. By focusing on education, networking, and skill development, you can find your place in this thrilling industry. The journey to space starts with a single step, armed with curiosity and a readiness to make a significant contribution.

At Orbital Reach (https://orbitalreach.space/), we offer legal and strategic consulting in the rapidly evolving space sector. With a network of seasoned experts in space law, policy, strategy and technology, we are dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of space ventures with confidence and success. We think beyond the norm, embrace emerging technologies, and push for ethical, sustainable space exploration and exploitation.

My role is multifaceted, centered on delivering precise legal and strategic guidance to ensure our clients achieve compliance and secure a strategic edge in their space operations. I offer counsel on the legal and regulatory frameworks governing space activities, emphasizing market access issues such as licensing, compliance, liability, export controls, spectrum allocation, and the coordination of orbital slots (both Earth and cis-lunar). Additionally, I draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to satellite procurement, launch services, satellite capacity leasing, ground segment services, hosted payloads, and other space-related agreements. My advice extends to sustainable practices in space, covering debris management, environmental impact assessments, and the ethical exploitation of space resources, aimed at ensuring long-term viability and adherence to international standards. We also support our clients in formulating business strategies and cultivating relationships with investors, potential partners, and other stakeholders.

I also publish "Trailblazers", a modern newsletter that demystifies the space economy (https://www.jointrailblazers.space/). In Trailblazers, I bridge the gap between the specialized space sector and the broader business world, providing cutting-edge insights and updates on the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities in the space economy. I'm genuinely looking forward to having you join us at Trailblazers and contribute to the broader discussion on the space economy!

There's never a dull day! :-)