Francois Paul Lambert

Co-Founder

Dubai, United Arab Emirates19 yrs 4 mos experience
Most Likely To SwitchAI Enabled

Key Highlights

  • Expert on space governance recognized by the World Economic Forum.
  • Co-Founder of ASCEND™, merging space training and luxury hospitality.
  • Advised on major EU satellite programs like GALILEO and COPERNICUS.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in space law and regulatory affairs within the aerospace industry.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Market AccessRegulatory AffairsSpace LawSpace SustainabilityStrategyLeadershipContract ManagementCloud ComputingLegal AdviceCorporate Law

Other Skills

Business DevelopmentSpace RegulationsRegulatory FilingsSpace EconomyConsultingSpace PolicyLaunch OperationsSpace TravelSpace InnovationBusiness StrategyRocketRocket TechnologySatellite Communications (SATCOM)Satellite SystemsLegal Research

About

Hello, I’m François! Welcome to the intersection of space, strategy, and ambition. I work with visionaries who refuse to see space as science fiction but as the next chapter of civilisation. My career sits where law, technology, and exploration converge — helping governments, startups, and investors turn complex regulatory landscapes into real-world opportunity. My path to space was anything but straight. After law school and a brief stint as a trainee Air Force pilot, a life-altering accident forced me to rethink everything. What began as recovery became reinvention; a shift from flying machines to shaping the rules that govern humanity’s reach beyond them. After two decades navigating space law, spectrum licensing, and government affairs, I’ve learned that progress in space isn’t just about rockets. It’s about systems, governance, and courage. The future belongs to those who can bridge public institutions and private ambition, and I’ve built my career doing exactly that. I began in Europe, where I helped shape the institutional and regulatory groundwork of the EU’s flagship satellite programmes — GALILEO and COPERNICUS — at the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). Later, I joined Amazon’s Project Kuiper (Leo), tackling global market access and regulatory strategy for one of the most ambitious commercial constellations ever conceived. Along the way, I advised governments, startups, and investors on launch licensing, orbital sustainability, and cross-border compliance. Today, I wear several hats. As Co-Founder and Co-CEO of ASCEND™ – The Space Hospitality Company, I’m building a new venture that merges astronaut training, research, and ultra-luxury hospitality into a single platform designed to prepare Humanity for life and work beyond Earth. I also serve as a fractional executive and strategic advisor to DeepTech and aerospace ventures, helping founders build defensible models, secure regulatory clearance, and navigate the sovereign dimensions of innovation. Recognised by the World Economic Forum as an Expert on Space, I contribute to global discussions on space governance and sustainable access to orbit. My network spans the US, Europe, APAC, and the GCC, connecting regulators, investors, and technology pioneers who see space not as an industry, but as civilisation’s next frontier. I believe progress doesn’t start with consensus. It starts with conviction strong enough to earn it, and the people willing to think differently, act boldly, and design the rules before others do. If that resonates, let’s connect!

Experience

19 yrs 4 mos
Total Experience
1 yr 11 mos
Average Tenure
2 yrs 9 mos
Current Experience

Stealth startup

Cofounder & Co-CEO, Space

Dec 2025Present · 4 mos

  • Pioneering a new model for human space participation from the Gulf.
  • Building something significant with remarkable partners.
  • More to come!

Equatorial launch australia (ela)

General Manager, Regulatory & Corporate Affairs

Jul 2024Dec 2025 · 1 yr 5 mos · Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

  • ELA was an emerging spaceport developer based in northern Australia. The company was working to establish the Australian Space Centre™ Cape York and aimed to provide commercial access to space. ELA supported three NASA sounding rocket missions in 2022.
  • As General Manager, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, I worked with the CEO on the design and development of ELA’s regulatory frameworks. My work focused on the Launch Facility Licence and Launch Permit Application pathways under the Australian Space Act. I advised on regulatory strategy, managed compliance activities and supported customer engagement for prospective launch campaigns.
Regulatory AffairsSpace LawSpace RegulationsSpace SustainabilitySpace EconomySpace Policy+7

Virtus solis technologies

Board Advisor

Jan 2024Present · 2 yrs 3 mos · Troy, Michigan, United States

  • Virtus Solis is the pioneer in space-based solar power, revolutionizing the energy landscape. We're committed to delivering clean, cost-effective renewable energy, transcending terrestrial limitations and fueling global prosperity. Our groundbreaking technology is set to disrupt the $8T energy market with scalable, clean energy solutions for Earth and beyond.
  • I advise the Founders (CEO and CTO) on global market access, regulatory compliance, and business development.
Market AccessRegulatory AffairsBusiness DevelopmentSpace LawSpace RegulationsLeadership+1

Orbital reach™

Principal & Fractional Executive

Jul 2023Present · 2 yrs 9 mos

  • Orbital Reach delivers on-demand, C-suite executive leadership and strategic advisory services for space and DeepTech companies at all stages of growth. As a fractional executive, I embed within client organisations — assuming key roles such as COO, CSO, or Chief Regulatory Officer — to drive regulatory, operational, and commercial outcomes. Our dual-leadership model provides comprehensive expertise spanning regulatory affairs, corporate strategy, and business development, enabling venture-backed startups and established enterprises to rapidly scale, enter new markets, and meet complex compliance requirements.
  • We help clients secure space and telecoms licenses, build strategic partnerships, develop market entry strategies, and implement robust operational processes. Projects range from launch approvals and spectrum allocation to major contract negotiation and investor readiness. By partnering with global technical experts, Orbital Reach not only solves executive leadership needs, but also delivers deep technical and policy insight.
  • Our unique model ensures measurable impact — clients benefit from hands-on leadership, tailored support, and scalable engagement models including fractional executive retainers and targeted project work. Orbital Reach operates across the US, European, APAC, and GCC markets with a strong presence in Sydney and Brussels, empowering organisations to navigate the rapidly evolving space sector with confidence and agility.
Market AccessRegulatory FilingsSpace LawSpace RegulationsSpace SustainabilityLegal Advice+5

Amazon

Corporate Counsel, Satellites, Amazon Leo (Project Kuiper)

May 2022Jul 2023 · 1 yr 2 mos · Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

  • Amazon Leo is a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation that will provide fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world. I led legal efforts in APAC countries, driving and supporting strategic growth for Amazon Leo within this diverse and evolving region, focusing on market access and regulatory.
Market AccessRegulatory FilingsRegulatory AffairsSpace LawSatellite Communications (SATCOM)Satellite Systems+3

Azimuth advisory

Special Counsel (Space)

Oct 2021May 2022 · 7 mos · Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

  • Azimuth Advisory provides advice and assistance to Governments and businesses who are engaged in space activities. Worked with space start-ups, guiding them through complex negotiations covering in-space imagery, Earth Observation data, launch, and payload agreements.
Space LawContract NegotiationSpace RegulationsRegulatory AffairsContract ManagementLegal Research

Anu institute for space | inspace

2 roles

Mission Specialist (Access to Space)

Mar 2020Apr 2022 · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • Member of the Mission Specialists advisory team, with responsibility for prioritising and optimising InSpace investments, ensuring they aligned with national space priorities. Advised on key issues like access to space, space traffic management, space situational awareness, telecom, cybersecurity, AI in space, and regulatory compliance across launch, spectrum, and satellite coordination.
Space LawSpace SustainabilitySpace InnovationSpace RegulationsStrategySatellite Communications (SATCOM)+1

Special Counsel (Space & Commercial)

Jan 2019Apr 2022 · 3 yrs 3 mos

  • At InSpace, which centralizes the Australian National University's space activities and supports Australia's space industry growth goals, I advised the Director on operations, governance, strategy, and legal issues. I led operations for the National Space Qualification Network (NSQN), a government-backed certification program for space-bound systems. I also represented ANU in dealings with SmartSat CRC and its industry members, an Australian consortium focused on advanced telecom, IoT, intelligent satellites, and Earth observation technologies.
StrategyLeadershipSpace LawProject ManagementLegal AdviceIntellectual Property

The australian national university

Senior Advisor, National Space Test Facility & AITC

Oct 2018May 2021 · 2 yrs 7 mos · Canberra, Australia

  • As an advisor at the Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC) and National Space Test Facility (NSTF), I drafted and negotiated technology contracts with government, industry, and academia, including procurement and commercial agreements. I established a commercial framework for the NSTF, focusing on next-gen satellite technologies testing, and streamlined related processes. I led complex deal-making for the AITC and negotiated the framework for the Australasian Optical Ground Station Network (AOGSN), enabling secure, high-bandwidth space data transmission. I was also involved in in-orbit payload negotiations with key industry players.
Contract LawContract NegotiationContract ManagementNegotiationStrategySpace Law+2

Netscout

Corporate Counsel, ANZ Region

Nov 2015Mar 2018 · 2 yrs 4 mos · Greater Boston Area

  • NETSCOUT is the market leader in real-time service assurance and cybersecurity solutions for enterprise, government, and telecommunications service providers. As Regional Legal Lead, I directed the negotiation, delivery and management of complex, high-value commercial agreements in support of the sales teams, focused on Australia, New Zealand, APAC, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe. I also served as a Data Protection Officer (DPO) and a member of the NETSCOUT Blockchain Working Group.
Contract LawContract NegotiationContract ManagementNegotiationStrategyCloud Computing+2

Euspa - eu agency for the space programme

Legal Officer

Oct 2010Dec 2014 · 4 yrs 2 mos · Prague, The Capital, Czech Republic

  • Formerly known as the GSA, the agency became the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) in 2021, overseeing major space initiatives like Space Situational Awareness, Copernicus, EGNOS, Galileo, GOVSATCOM, and IRIS2. I joined during a pivotal period, as the agency grew from 40 to 150 staff, moved to Prague, and underwent significant program changes, including the launch of GNSS ground stations and in-orbit validation. As Legal Counsel, I advised the Board and Executive Director on legal matters for the Galileo and EGNOS programs, covering procurement, spectrum, IPR, liability, compliance, and security.
Legal AdviceProcurementLegal ResearchLegal WritingContract NegotiationContract Law+6

Ibm

Counsel (Contracts & Negotiations)

Mar 2008Jan 2010 · 1 yr 10 mos · Ireland

  • At IBM, a global tech and consulting giant, I led contract negotiation and advised executives on legal matters like IP, software licensing, SaaS, data privacy, export control, and compliance. I played a key role in securing multi-million-dollar international deals, earning a Sales Win Award in 2009. Additionally, I served as Export Regulations Administrator for IBM’s Export Regulations Office and was part of IBM's Aerospace & Defence Community.
Legal AdviceContract NegotiationContract ManagementContract LawCloud ComputingCorporate Law+1

Era-star regions

Project Coordinator | Lead Counsel

May 2005Feb 2008 · 2 yrs 9 mos

  • At ERA-STAR, an EU project focused on the development of GALILEO, Copernicus (GMES), and space technology applications, I managed daily operations and led a consortium of 12 nations and regions. I built strategic ties with government and space agencies, spearheaded a legal and structural reorganization to refocus the project, and launched the ERA-STAR’s joint calls for proposals and grants award scheme for new space technologies supporting Galileo and GMES.
  • https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/515793

Airbus

Legal Intern, Office of the CEO

Feb 2004Jun 2004 · 4 mos · Paris Area, France

European commission

Legal Intern (Blue Book)

Feb 2003Jul 2003 · 5 mos · Brussels Area, Belgium

Belgian defence

Trainee Pilot (Officer)

Jan 2002Jan 2002 · 0 mo

  • 2002B Promotion Squadron | Belgian Air Force
  • Military Pilot training (Auxiliary Officer) - Safraanberg Air Force Base.

Education

Université catholique de Louvain

Master — Political Sciences & International Relations

Jan 2002Jan 2004

The Wharton School

Strategic Management Programme (online)

Jan 2025Present

Université catholique de Louvain

Licence en Droit — Law

Jan 1999Jan 2002

Université de Toulon

ERASMUS Scholarship — Law

Jan 2002Present

UCLouvain Saint-Louis Bruxelles

Candidatures en Droit — Law

Jan 1997Jan 1999

Yvonne A. Ewell Townview High School, Dallas, TX, USA

High School — Law & Business Administration

Jan 1997Present

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