Denmark becomes 48th signatory of the Artemis Accords

Signing held in Copenhagen

NASA has officially welcomed Denmark as the 48th nation to join the Artemis Accords, committing to safe and responsible space exploration to benefit humankind.

The signing took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, on November 14, 2024, where Christina Egelund, Denmark’s Minister of Higher Education and Science, endorsed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the Danish government. Alan Leventhal, the US Ambassador to Denmark, also attended the event.

In a recorded statement, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said: “We welcome Denmark’s signing of the Artemis Accords. As a founding member of the European Space Agency (ESA), Denmark has contributed to space exploration for decades, including significant collaborations with NASA on Mars exploration. This signing will enhance international cooperation and promote peaceful space exploration.”

Egelund highlighted the strategic implications of the commitment, stating: “With the Artemis programme, the United States is leading the way back to the Moon, and Denmark aims to strengthen its partnership with the US and other allies for the benefit of science and industry.

“The signing of the Accords aligns with the Danish government’s upcoming space research and innovation strategy. We seek to increase ties with our allies, recognising that space holds immense potential for advancing scientific breakthroughs.”

Initiated by NASA and established in 2020, the Artemis Accords aim to outline principles that promote the beneficial use of outer space. The framework is grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other international agreements, including the Registration Convention and the Rescue and Return Agreement.

The Accords also incorporate best practices and norms of responsible behaviour, ensuring commitments to public data release and collaborative exploration.

However, major spacefaring nations, including China and Russia, have failed to join the Artemis Accords programme for political reasons, as they are primarily opposed to the US in most spheres.

Denmark’s involvement in the Artemis Accords underscores its commitment to space exploration and signals its intent to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of international space policy.

As of November 18, 2024, the following 48 countries (listed in alphabetical order) have signed the Artemis Accords:

1. Australia
2. Argentina
3. Armenia
4. Austria
5. Bahrain
6. Belgium
7. Brazil
8. Bulgaria
9. Canada
10. Chile
11. Colombia
12. Denmark
13. Estonia
14. France
15. Germany
16. Ghana
17. Greece
18. Hungary
19. India
20. Indonesia
21. Italy
22. Japan
23. Luxembourg
24. Mexico
25. Morocco
26. Netherlands
27. New Zealand
28. Nigeria
29. Norway
30. Peru
31. Poland
32. Portugal
33. Romania
34. Singapore
35. South Korea
36. Spain
37. Sweden
38. Switzerland
39. United Arab Emirates
40. United Kingdom
41. United States
42. Vietnam
43. Israel
44. Philippines
45. Czech Republic
46. Slovakia
47. Lithuania
48. South Africa

Featured image: 48 nations subscribe to the Artemis Accords as of November 18, 2024. Credit: NASA