At the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Sydney, Australia, NASA and international space leaders reaffirmed their dedication to the Artemis Accords
The Artemis Accords are a growing set of principles designed to ensure peaceful, transparent, and cooperative exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The meeting marked a significant moment ahead of the Accords’ fifth anniversary this October.
Representatives from dozens of countries participated in the high-level gathering, which NASA, the Australian Space Agency, and the UAE Space Agency co-chaired. The event served as a platform to strengthen collaboration among the now 56 signatory nations, reflecting a broad commitment to responsible conduct in space.
Setting the space for a new era
First introduced in October 2020, the Artemis Accords were established to establish clear expectations for civil space activities. Initially signed by the United States and seven other nations, the agreement has steadily gained momentum, with nearly 30% of the world’s countries now party to it.
The Artemis Accords provide a practical framework that addresses key issues such as safety zones on the Moon, responsible behaviour in orbit, transparency in space missions, and the sharing of scientific data. As space exploration becomes increasingly competitive, particularly with China’s lunar ambitions, the goal is shifting towards cooperation and coordination to avoid conflicts and ensure mutual benefits.
Discussions focused on responsible practices.
During the IAC 2025 meeting, leaders focused on refining and implementing the core principles of the Artemis Accords. Topics included non-interference in other nations’ space operations, better coordination around launch schedules and mission activities, and the promotion of interoperability between spacecraft and support systems from different countries.
Debris mitigation was another area of concern. As the number of satellites and lunar missions increases, the risk of collisions or unsafe conditions in space becomes more critical. Signatories discussed responsible disposal practices and the need for reliable tracking and registration of space objects.
Workshops building technical capacity
The United Arab Emirates, an active participant in the Artemis Accords, recently hosted a workshop to support the technical development of the principles. This workshop emphasised transparency, space object registration, and coordination beyond Earth orbit. It reflects the ongoing efforts by signatory nations to translate high-level principles into practical steps that space agencies can implement.
Australia, as a founding member, also continues to support regional growth in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, helping newer space programs align with global best practices through the Accords.
More nations are expected to join.
As space exploration enters what many call a new “Golden Age,” the Artemis Accords serve as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable activities beyond Earth. As more countries express interest in lunar and planetary missions, participation in the Accords is expected to increase.
