Howard Chang

Howard Chang is an accomplished young professional in the space industry who currently serves as the Assistant Chief Counsel at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.1 He joined NASA in this role in January 2024, transitioning from his previous position at the international law firm K&L Gates.2

Career Highlights

NASA Role:: As Assistant Chief Counsel, Chang is the lead attorney for NASA's Wallops Flight Facility's commercial, nonprofit, and interagency partnerships in Wallops Island, Virginia.1 His work focuses on:

• Legal issues involving Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
• Real property transactions
• Government contracts litigation and administration supporting NASA Goddard
• Partnerships involving the Goddard Institute for Space Studies at Columbia University, New York1

Recognition:: Chang was recently named one of the "20 under 35 of 2024" by the Space and Satellite Professionals International, recognizing him as an outstanding young professional in the space industry.1

Expertise and Contributions

Chang specializes in space law and aerospace finance. His areas of expertise include:

• Space law and policy
• Aerospace finance
• White-collar defense
• Appellate litigation4

He contributes significantly to thought leadership in space law and policy, authoring articles for publications like The Federalist and the International Institute of Space Law.1 Chang is also a frequent speaker on space law matters and serves as a guest lecturer on space policy for law schools and undergraduate space courses.1

Education and Professional Affiliations

• Georgetown University Law Center graduate3
• Advisor for the Georgetown University Space Initiative5
• Member of the State Bar of Texas6

Chang's transition to NASA in 2024 marks a significant step in his career, allowing him to apply his expertise in space law and policy directly to the nation's space agency.