Analysis of existing rules in space traffic management: Finding the Gaps in “Authorization”

This paper will map the findings from the existing work of the IISL Space Traffic Management Working Group. It will identify gaps and inconsistencies in the legal frameworks with respect to authorization and continuing supervision for space activities within the context of article VI of the Outer Space Treaty. Dividing the analysis in two parts of “authorization” and “continuing supervision”, this paper will focus on the “authorization”. The WG is international in scope and includes legal and policy experts of different regions, who contributed to the initial work of the WG, summarizing the rules and provisions in various states involved in outer space activities that are part of their regulatory systems and contribute to the objectives of Space Traffic Management (STM). The authors will analyze the existing rules and provisions contributing to the objectives of STM in various states. It will try a deep dive into national authorization formulation of major jurisdictions, in order to identify the gaps contained. By doing so, the paper may describe not only the international comparative analysis regarding the STM regulations, but also the necessary next steps for a successful implementation of STM standards.