Small Satellite Compliance: A Practical Guide
Complete guide to regulatory compliance for small satellites and CubeSats. Light regime and practical tips.
Small satellites must still comply with regulations. Here's your practical guide.
Light Regime Qualification
COM(2025) 335 is a proposal. Article 10 does not use mass, duration or altitude cut-offs. Check the three cases in the proposal text (research/education, simplified risk management, IOD/IOV for small enterprises and research). Software is not legal advice.
Benefits
- Reduced documentation requirements
- Faster processing (45 vs 90 days)
- Lower insurance minimums
- Simplified debris assessment
Common Pitfalls
1. Underestimating lead time - Start 6-12 months early 2. Ignoring frequency coordination - Even amateur bands require it 3. Assuming rideshare solves everything - Your own authorization still needed 4. Neglecting end-of-life - Plan disposal from the start
Small satellites, professional compliance.
Next step
Run the structured assessment for a map of obligation clusters, or book a walkthrough. The result is a file to review with counsel — not a licence and not legal advice.