India became the 27th country to sign the Artemis Accords during a ceremony held at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington on Wednesday, June 21. The signing ceremony was attended by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s ambassador to the United States, who signed on behalf of India.
The Artemis Accords serve as a practical framework for collaboration in space exploration among nations involved in NASA’s Artemis program. They establish a set of principles to guide cooperation and ensure a peaceful and transparent approach to space exploration. The signing of the accords marks an important milestone in the partnership between NASA and India, both on Earth and in space.
Administrator Bill Nelson expressed NASA’s delight in expanding its partnership with India and emphasized the significance of the manner in which space exploration is conducted. He emphasized the importance of a peaceful and transparent approach and the need to support each other during challenging times. NASA appreciates India’s leadership in signing the Artemis Accords and looks forward to the joint achievements that lie ahead.
Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s ambassador, hailed the signing of the Artemis Accords as a landmark step in bilateral space cooperation. He reiterated India’s commitment to space exploration, highlighting the country’s responsible use of outer space and its focus on peace and sustainability. Sandhu believed that the accords would foster a rule-based approach to outer space and enhance global progress. He also emphasized that space exploration goes beyond the pursuit of knowledge, playing a crucial role in advancing humanity’s welfare.
The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by NASA and seven other founding member nations, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State. They reinforce and implement key obligations outlined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, as well as commitments to the Registration Convention and the Rescue and Return Agreement. The accords also promote best practices and responsible behavior, including the public release of scientific data, which have been supported by NASA and its partners.
In the coming months and years, more countries will sign the Artemis Accords as NASA continues its collaboration with international partners. This collective effort aims to establish a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space. Working with both current and new partners will bring additional energy and capabilities to ensure that the benefits of exploration and discovery are shared by the entire world.
Image Source: NASA/Bill Ingalls