위성원격탐사에 관한 상사법적 쟁점

Remote sensing is a means to gather information about distant objects without directly being in contact with them. The development of artificial satellites in the 20th century allowed remote sensing to progress to a global scale and to be utilized for broader goals, especially commercial ones. As remote sensing imaging and distribution technology advances, commercial users will be choosing from arrays of precise, geographically-accurate imagery. The imagery will be less expensive and delivered in digital formats that are easier to use and duplicate. Undoubtedly, as the accessibility increases, the likelihood that commercial satellite imagery will be used in unsanctioned military or terrorist operations also increases. Satellite remote sensing has evolved from being an activity restricted to a limited number of states, which operated remote sensing satellites and benefited from the resulting data, to a present environment characterized not only by an increasing number of states operating remote sensing satellites and benefiting from their products, but also by the active role played by intergovernmental organizations and private companies. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the complicated legal issues surrounding satellite remote sensing, especially focusing commercial legal issues. This paper analyzes relevant international and national rules and policies with respect to satellite remote sensing. Also, this discusses some legal issues of commercialization in satellite remote sensing systems by comparing international and national regimes. Ultimately, it supposes that new legislation of satellite remote sensing is necessary for effective operational management and appropriate regulation of satellite remote sensing systems in Korea.