Peru and Slovakia have officially joined the Artemis Accords, marking a significant step forward in global space cooperation. With these new signatories, the total number of countries committed to responsible space exploration practices has reached 42.
Ceremonies at NASA Headquarters
On May 30, separate signing ceremonies were held at NASA Headquarters for Peru and Slovakia. Peru’s Foreign Minister, Javier González-Olaechea, and Slovakia’s Minister of Education, Research, Development, and Youth, Tomáš Drucker, signed the Accords in the presence of NASA and U.S. State Department officials.
Peru’s Vision for Space Exploration
Peru, a nation with nascent space capabilities, sees this as a gateway to future opportunities. “This opportunity will allow Peru to participate in activities related to the exploration and sustainable use of space resources, as well as promote scientific and aerospace development in our country,” stated González-Olaechea at the ceremony. This move follows Peru’s declaration of intent to sign the Accords during a U.S.-Peru High-Level Dialogue meeting earlier in May. The country also committed to refraining from direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests, despite having no current capability or interest in such activities.
Slovakia’s Commitment to Space Sustainability
Slovakia, an EU member and associate member of the European Space Agency (ESA), is dedicated to maintaining a sustainable space environment. Drucker highlighted Slovakia’s recent participation in the ESA-led Zero Debris Charter, emphasizing the importance of setting rules for the long-term safety of outer space. “These rules should ensure that space activities are safe, clean, and sustainable, benefiting all nations,” he remarked.
NASA’s Perspective on International Cooperation
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson underscored the collaborative spirit of the Artemis Accords. “The first truth is that space presents challenges that no nation, no matter how determined, can solve alone. And therefore we do not go alone, we go together,” Nelson said. He also emphasized that space serves as a unique platform for fostering international partnerships.
Growth of the Artemis Accords
Peru and Slovakia are the eighth and ninth countries to join the Artemis Accords this year, reflecting a growing global commitment to responsible space exploration. At the Meridian Space Diplomacy Forum in April, NASA and State Department officials noted increasing interest in the Accords.
“The rapid growth of the Artemis Accords demonstrates a global belief in a better future for humanity in space,” said Mike Gold, chief growth officer of Redwire and a former NASA official. He praised the Accords as a beacon of hope and unity amidst global conflicts.
Future Gatherings and Discussions
The recent signings followed a significant workshop held at the Canadian Space Agency headquarters, where representatives from 24 of the then 40 signatory nations discussed key issues such as non-interference and interoperability. Another meeting of Artemis Accords nations is scheduled to take place during the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, in October.
With Peru and Slovakia on board, the Artemis Accords continue to foster international cooperation and pave the way for a sustainable and collaborative future in space exploration.