More than 15 years of experience in United States government and the private sector advising on legal, regulatory and policy issues related to outer space, satellite remote sensing, private space activities, satellite communications and satellite technology.
Previously served in key roles on the House Science, Space and Technology committee and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Holds a doctorate in Space Law and an LL.M. in Air and Space Law from McGill University’s Faculty of Law.

Mike counsels launch, satellite, space-based service providers, software, communications and other technology companies and investors on a broad range of legal issues related to regulatory, disputes and compliance issues.

Prior to joining Akin, Mike led the in-house team responsible for policy strategy, government contracts, intellectual property, regulatory licensing and compliance for a space and defense company.

Before entering industry, Mike held numerous space-related posts in the U.S. government, including serving as Staff Director and Senior Counsel to the Space Subcommittee of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. In that position, he assisted in the committee’s oversight role, led preparation 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, where he advised senior White House leadership on space law and policy and led interagency policy development efforts. His government service also includes service in the Office of the General Counsel and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Mike holds a doctorate in Space Law and an LL.M in Air and Space Law from McGill University’s Faculty of Law. He earned his J.D. from the University of North Carolina.

Education
LL.D., McGill University, magna cum laude, 2011
LL.M., McGill University, magna cum laude, 2008
J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law, cum laude, 2005
Law Certificate, University of Hong Kong, 2004

Bar Admissions
District of Columbia
North Carolina

Recognitions

The Legal 500 US, Media, Technology and Telecoms: Telecoms and Broadcast: Regulatory, 2024.

Affiliations and Public Service

Co-Chair, Satellite Industry Association, Earth Observation Forum, 2019-2023.
Chairman, Commercial SmallSat Spectrum Management Association, 2019-2020.
Staff Director (Majority), House of Representatives, Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, 2018.
Senior Policy Analyst and Liaison to the National Space Council, White House, Office of Science and Technology Policy, 2017-2018.
Professional Staff Member (Majority), House of Representatives, Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, 2015-2017.
Research Staff Member, Institute for Defense Analyses, Science and Technology Policy Institute, 2013-2015.
International and Interagency Affairs Officer, Department of Commerce, NOAA NESDIS, 2011-2013.
Attorney-Advisor, Department of Commerce, NOAA, General Counsel, Weather, Satellite and Research Section, 2012-2013.
U.S. Delegation to the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, 2011-2014.

Speeches and Publications

Speaker, "Comparative Analysis of Regulatory Regimes Governing Private Sector Launch from Celestial Bodies," International Astronautical Conference (IAC) 2024, October 16, 2024.
Facilitator, “Humanity’s Future in Outer Space and the Evolution of Space Law,” 169th First Friday Ideas Salon, October 4, 2024.
Speaker, “Space Law and Governance Issues for Lunar Options,” NASA Interagency Operations Advisory Group, June 6, 2024.
Panelist, “Looming Challenges in Commercial Space: Regulation, Governance and Policy,” Space Law and Policy Conference 2024, University of Sydney Law School, May 30, 2024.
Panelist, “The Latest on Space Law and Ethics,” Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2024, Space Connect, May 28, 2024.

Speaker, "A New Era of Responsibility in Space: Eliminating the Threat of Orbital Debris," Global Space Law Center 2024 Symposium, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, April 12, 2024.
Speaker, "Lunar Spectrum and Lunar Governance," NASA Interagency Operations Advisory Group, April 4, 2024.
Speaker, “On-Orbit Activities: The Future of Space Innovation and Regulation,” CONFERS, March 12, 2024.
Speaker, “Celestial Chronicles: Navigating the Evolving Frontiers of Space Law,” Space Beach Law Lab, February 28, 2024.
Moderator, “Regulating Commercial Space Activities: Innovation Outpacing Regulation with Updates on Legislative and Regulatory Reform Efforts,” 18th Annual Eilene M. Galloway IISL Symposium on Critical Issues in Space Law, December 13, 2023.
Panelist, “CLE Seminar: Lunar/Cislunar 101: Space Communications Infrastructure, Global Coordination and International Law,” FCBA Space and Global Communications Ad Hoc Committee, November 2, 2023.
Speaker, “Scale or Fail: Practical Advice to Help You Succeed,” Navigating Space Law and Policy Bootcamp hosted by the Association of Commercial Space Professionals, September 6, 2023.

Publications

Bhavya Lal, Mineiro, et al., “Global Trends in Space,” IDA Paper P-5242, June 2015.
Karen E. Gordon, Mineiro, et al., “A Review of Approaches to Sharing or Relinquishing Agency-Assigned Spectrum,” IDA Paper P-5102, January 2014.
Space Technology Export Controls and International Cooperation in Outer Space, New York, Springer: 2011.
“An Inconvenient Truth: U.S.-E.U. Commercial Satellite Export Control Regulatory Divergence,” 27(4) Space Policy, 2011.
“U.S. Export Controls and Canadian Autonomy to Collaborate on International Space Missions,” 26(2) Space Policy 99, 2010.
“A Call to Action: A Proposal for the Establishment of a TLA Modality Committee on Space Transportation,” 11(5) Transportation Law Association – The Transportation Lawyer, 2010.
Co-author, with Dr. Paul Dempsey, “ICAO’s Legal Authority to Regulate Suborbital Flight,” in Ram Jakhu & Joseph Pelton, eds. Space Safety Regulations & Standards, London: Elsevier, 2010.
“Assessing the Risks: Tort Liability and Risk Management in the Event of a Commercial Human Space Flight Vehicle Accident,” 74(2) Journal of Air Law & Commerce 371, 2009.
“An Intersection of Air & Space Law: Licensing and Regulating,” 22(4) American Bar Association – Air & Space Lawyer, 2009.
“FY-1C and USA-193 ASAT Intercepts: An Assessment of Legal Obligation under Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty,” 34(2) Journal of Space Law 321, 2008.
“Law and Regulation Governing U.S. Commercial Spaceports: Licensing, Liability, and Legal Challenges,” 73 Journal of Air Law and Commerce 759, 2008. “The United States and Legality of Outer Space Weaponization: A Proposal for Greater Transparency and Effective Dispute Resolution Mechanisms,” 33 Annals of Air and Space Law 441, 2008.