Peru Becomes 41st Nation To Join Artemis Accords
In Global Boost For Space Exploration
In a ceremony held at NASA headquarters in Washington, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced Peru’s accession to the Artemis Accords, marking a significant stride in international cooperation for space exploration.
The ceremony, held on May 30, 2024, was organised by the US State Department and welcomed Peru as the latest addition to the 40 nations committed to fostering safe, transparent, and responsible exploration of celestial bodies, including the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Expressing his optimism about Peru’s inclusion as the 41st member of the Artemis Accords, Nelson said: “NASA is thrilled to welcome Peru to the Artemis Accords family. This significant step forward reflects decades of Peru’s dedication to expanding its cosmic horizons and opens up new avenues for collaboration and innovation.
“We are amidst the golden age of space exploration, and together, as partners, we will continue to explore the cosmos openly and responsibly, bringing new insights and benefits for all.”
The Signatories
Javier González-Olaechea, Peru’s foreign minister, represented the nation by signing the Artemis Accords.
Alongside him, Alfredo Ferrero Diez Canseco, Peru’s Ambassador to the United States, and Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State, participated in the historic signing ceremony.
González-Olaechea highlighted Peru’s motivations for joining the Artemis Accords: “Peru, by joining the Artemis Accords, seeks not only to express a common vision with the other member countries but also to establish cooperation mechanisms with these countries, especially with the United States, to participate in activities of exploration and sustainable use of resources found in space, as well as to promote aerospace scientific development in our country.”
The Artemis Accords, initially signed by the United States and seven other nations in 2020, outline principles aimed at harnessing space for the betterment of humanity.
Rooted in agreements such as the Outer Space Treaty and supported by best practices and norms of responsible behaviour, the Accords emphasise the public release of scientific data and adherence to established space law.
With more nations expected to join in the coming months and years, the Accords signify a unified effort toward the safe and sustainable exploration of outer space.
The commitments outlined in the Artemis Accords align with NASA’s Artemis campaign and its collaborative endeavours with partner nations. As signatories work towards implementing these principles, they contribute to the success of both NASA’s missions and the broader goals of international space exploration.
Featured image: (L-R) Ambassador of Peru to the United States Alfredo Ferrero Diez Canseco, Peruvian Foreign Minister Javier González-Olaechea, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and United States Department of State Acting Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jennifer R. Littlejohn, pose for a photo during an Artemis Accords signing ceremony, on May 30, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA headquarters building in Washington. Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber
