우주교통관리(STM)에 관한 국제적 규제 동향과 법적 과제

The proliferation of private-sector space activities, the exponential increase in the operation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the expanded military use of space assets, and the accumulation of space debris have collectively contributed to the progressive overcrowding of outer space. This congestion has given rise to a host of complex challenges, including heightened risks of collision and the degradation of space environmental sustainability. These structural shifts have made it increasingly evident that individual state-level responses are insufficient, thereby necessitating the establishment of a robust Space Traffic Management (STM) regime based on international cooperation. However, the current framework of international space law—rooted in the United Nations space treaties enacted during the 1960s and 1970s—exhibits fundamental limitations in addressing the multifaceted and technologically complex realities of the New Space era. In particular, the absence of binding international norms governing the conceptual definition of STM, standardized procedures for collision avoidance, and criteria for real-time data sharing has significantly impeded regulatory progress. Furthermore, divergent interpretations of STM’s scope and functions, shaped by each state’s strategic interests and technological capacities, have hindered the emergence of a coherent international consensus. The politically and strategically sensitive nature of STM-related data—especially that pertaining to military or security domains—has further complicated efforts toward institutionalization, as mutual distrust and conflicting national interests persist. These institutional and political barriers have collectively stymied meaningful advancement in the development of a global STM framework. Against this backdrop, this article critically reexamines the foundational concepts of STM and analyzes recent normative developments within the international community. It offers a structured legal assessment of the key challenges surrounding the institutionalization of STM and explores the feasibility of regulatory frameworks aimed at ensuring its effective implementation. Particular attention is given to the institutionalization of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) data sharing, the construction of operational frameworks grounded in public-private collaboration, and the potential for multilateral cooperation through consensus-based mechanisms. From these analyses, several policy and legislative implications for Korea can be drawn. First, there is an urgent need to domestically institutionalize an effective STM regime to ensure the secure operation of national satellites and the long-term sustainability of the space environment. Second, it is imperative to establish an independent SSA infrastructure and build autonomous capabilities for collision prediction and response, in order to reduce reliance on foreign surveillance networks. Finally, Korea must transition from a passive recipient of international norms to an active norm entrepreneur in global STM governance by proactively developing institutional frameworks that support meaningful engagement in norm-making processes.