NASA, international partners deepen commitment to Artemis agreements

NASA, along with leaders of global space agencies and representatives of governments around the world, met Monday to advance implementation of the Artemis Accords — practical principles designed to guide responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.

The meeting was held during the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Sydney. In opening remarks, Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy noted the five-year anniversary of the Artemis agreement next month.

“When President Trump launched the Artemis Accords in his first term, he made sure that American values ​​led the way — bringing together a coalition of nations to set the rules for space travel and ensure peaceful exploration. Five years later, the coalition is stronger than ever. That’s critical as we seek to beat China to the moon, not just to leave footprints, but this time to stay,” he said. Duffy.

The United States, led by NASA and the US State Department, signed agreements on October 13, 2020 with seven other founding nations. The agreements were created in response to the growing global interest of governments and private companies in lunar activities. It now consists of 56 signatory countries — almost 30% of the world’s countries.

The event was co-chaired by NASA, the Australian Space Agency and the UAE Space Agency. Dozens of nations were represented, creating the foundation for future space exploration for the Golden Age of Exploration and Innovation.

“Australia is a proud founder of the Artemis Agreement and is focused on supporting new signatories in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Australian Space Agency chief Enrico Palermo. “The purpose of the agreement is as important—if not more important—as it was when it was first established. This annual gathering of directors at the 2025 IAC is a key opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to exploring the Moon, Mars and beyond in a peaceful, safe and sustainable manner.”

During the meeting, the leaders discussed recommendations for non-interference in each other’s space activities, including transparency of expected launch dates, the general nature of activities and landing locations. They also discussed mitigation and management of orbital debris disposal, interoperability of systems for safer and more efficient operations, and publication of scientific data.

In May 2025, the United Arab Emirates were the hosts Artemis Accords workshop focused on topics such as non-interference and registration of space objects and reporting beyond Earth orbit.

“Through our active participation in the Artemis Accords and the organization of specialized workshops, we aim to strengthen the principles of transparency, sustainability and innovation in space activities. We are committed to strengthening international partnerships and facilitating the exchange of expertise, thereby contributing to the development of a solid global framework for safe and responsible space exploration, while opening new frontiers for scientific research,” said the minister. of sports UAE. and UAE Space Agency Chairman Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi. “This reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to strengthening international cooperation in space exploration and promoting the peaceful uses of outer space.”

More countries are expected to sign Artemis Accords in the coming months and years as NASA continues its work to establish a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space.

Learn more about Artemis Accords at:

https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords

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Bethany Stevens / Elizabeth Shaw
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.shaw@nasa.gov