Getting the Green Light: an Interdisciplinary Approach to Space Traffic Management

Abstract

Effective space traffic management is an important challenge, especially in the context of the increasing number of space objects in Earth orbit. With more launches planned in the near future, the need for an effective system of space traffic management cannot be over-stated. This paper provides a crucible for the fusion of scientific and legal approaches to space traffic management during launch, in orbit and during re-entry. It takes an innovative viewpoint via an interdisciplinary review of scientific and legal issues relating to space traffic management. It first analyzes existing mechanisms for space traffic management. It will then make a comparative analysis of the mechanisms and general principles of space law, and the scientific standards and recommended practices for space traffic management. The purpose of this paper is to cross-fertilize ideas between the legal and institutional mechanisms for the management of space traffic and the technical, navigational and surveillance devices of space vehicles. It aims for a critical hybridization and harmonization of existing and nascent scientific technology with the existing legal and institutional mechanisms for space traffic management. This paper will then propose a framework for more effective space traffic management. This framework comprises an aggregate of scientific and legal standards with present technical capabilities. This proposed framework strives for the execution of an effective and efficient system of international space traffic management.