우주쓰레기 감축 제도

초록

The increasing commercialization of outer space, driven by the rise of private-sector actors in the so-called New Space era, has led to a dramatic surge in satellite launches and orbital activities. Alongside this expansion, space debris has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental and economic threats to the sustainable use of space. Its potential to trigger cascading collisions and inflate the costs of orbital operations poses complex challenges that extend far beyond technical risk management. Rather than viewing space debris as an entirely new problem, this study frames it within the broader category of common-pool resource (CPR) governance, alongside longstanding issues such as radio frequency allocation, overfishing, and carbon emissions. By drawing parallels with these precedents, the paper identifies structural limitations in current international legal regimes and highlights the governance difficulties posed by the inherently transnational and commercially driven nature of modern space activities. In particular, the analysis focuses on the limitations of existing legal instruments, such as international treaties and voluntary guidelines, and critically examines recent developments in space insurance and active debris removal (ADR) technologies. The paper concludes by proposing legal and institutional reforms that could recalibrate economic incentives and encourage active participation from private enterprises. This research aims to contribute to ongoing discussions on the sustainable governance of outer space and the establishment of an effective international legal framework for the future.

키워드