NASA, along with leaders from global space agencies and government representatives from around the world, convened Monday to advance the implementation of the Artemis Agreement – practical principles designed to guide responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.
The meeting was held during the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) being held in Sydney. In opening remarks, Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy highlighted the five-year anniversary of the Artemis agreement next month.
“When President Trump initiated the Artemis Agreement in his first term, he ensured that American values would lead the way – bringing together a coalition of nations to set the rules of the road in space and ensure that exploration remains peaceful. Five years later, the alliance is stronger than ever. This is critical as we look to defeat China on the Moon, not just to leave a footprint, but to stay this time,” Duffy Said.
The United States, led by NASA and the US State Department, signed the agreement with seven other founding countries on October 13, 2020. These agreements were created by governments and private companies in response to growing global interest in lunar activities. They now include 56 country signatories – about 30% of the world’s countries.
The event was co-chaired by NASA, the Australian Space Agency and the UAE Space Agency. Dozens of countries were represented, laying the foundation for the future of space exploration for a golden age of exploration and innovation.
“Australia is a proud founding signatory of the Artemis Agreement and is focused on supporting new signatories in the Indo-Pacific region,” Australian Space Agency chief Enrico Palermo said. “The purpose of the Agreement is as important – if not more important – as it was when it was first established. This annual gathering of Principals at IAC 2025 is an important opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to exploring the Moon, Mars and beyond in a peaceful, safe and sustainable manner.”
During the meeting, the leaders discussed recommendations on not interfering with each other’s space activities, including expected launch dates, general nature of activities and transparency on landing locations. They also discussed orbital debris mitigation and disposal management, interoperability of systems for safer and more efficient operations, and release of scientific data.
In May 2025, the UAE hosted an Artemis Accords workshop focused on topics such as non-interference and space object registration and reporting beyond Earth orbit.
“Through our active participation in the Artemis Agreement and the organization of specialized workshops, we aim to strengthen the principles of transparency, sustainability and innovation in space activities. We are committed to strengthening international partnerships and facilitating the exchange of expertise, thereby contributing to the development of a strong global framework for safe and responsible space exploration while opening new frontiers for scientific research,” UAE Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency said. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi. “This reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to enhancing international cooperation in space exploration and promoting the peaceful uses of space.”
More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Agreement in the coming months and years, as NASA continues its work to establish a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space.
Learn more about the Artemis Agreement:
https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords
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Bethany Stevens / Elizabeth Shaw
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.shaw@nasa.gov
