Bringing Space Law Down to Earth: Q&A with Sr. Corporate Counsel Damian Baldridge

Our Legal team is growing, and we’re eager to welcome our newest team member, Senior Corporate Counsel Damian Baldridge! Damian brings years of industry experience from his previous roles at Lockheed Martin and SEAKR Engineering. Read along as we chat with him about his role at Astroscale U.S., his journey into space law, advice he’d give to newcomers in the industry and more.

Welcome to Astroscale U.S.! We’re all excited to have you on the team. Can you tell us about your role as Sr. Corporate Counsel and how it helps Astroscale U.S. create a safe and sustainable space domain?

Thanks! Excited to be here. Overall, my main role is to make sure we mitigate risks and comply with industry standards by providing legal guidance across many areas of law. What this means in practice is, I help the company navigate the often-complicated regulatory framework that is so prevalent in our industry. I want to efficiently guide the functional areas at Astroscale U.S. through that framework so my teammates can concentrate on what has made us successful in the past and continue progressing towards our broader mission.

What inspired you to pursue a career in space law, and how has your journey shaped your approach to legal challenges in the commercial space sector?

I really cannot think of a more interesting area/industry to work in, and growing up in Colorado, it’s kind of in my DNA. Space law is the combination of philosophy and physics, and I’m a huge fan of both. My background before getting into the industry was philosophy, including formal logic, and I thoroughly enjoy using the law as a tool to reduce the theoretical to practice. I hope to bring the experience, knowledge and skills gained over the years at the large primes and smaller space companies to Astroscale U.S. to help balance risk mitigation and the fast pace of the commercial sector.

Curious about the numerous pathways into aerospace? Read our post about the various careers available in the space industry.

What are some of the most exciting opportunities you see for commercial space companies as the industry continues to grow and evolve?

I see selling commercial services to governments and companies to protect and sustain critical assets in GEO as a huge opportunity. What Astroscale U.S. is doing today with sustainable space is increasingly relevant and necessary.

Many people might not know much about space law. What’s one fun, unexpected or surprising fact about it that you’d like to share?

It’s a truly exciting time in space law, the origin of which can be traced back to the 1957 launch of Sputnik, the subsequent passing of the Space Act and the foundation of NASA. Space law is based on maritime law and there were a number of treaties signed in the 20th century between a whole host of countries that, as of yet, haven’t really been tested — but will be soon. Questions regarding salvage rights, mineral rights on the moon, space tourism and so many more, that up until now were academic, have become of practical relevance.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone interested in pursuing a career in space law or the aerospace industry?

Be nice. It doesn’t cost you anything, and this is the biggest little industry around. Also, know thyself — where do you thrive? There are so many options out there along the spectrum of giant mega-primes, to government, to small privately held ventures. What works for you?

Final question: Star Wars or Star Trek?

I can neither confirm nor deny my allegiance to the Star Wars franchise.

Learn more about Astroscale U.S.’s growth!

The word of 2024 was “growth” for good reason, and it seems to be trickling into 2025. Check out last month’s 2024 wrap up to learn more about our team’s expansion, the development of our refueler for the U.S. Space Force and more.