Saudi Arabia is the 21st country to join the Artemis Accords, announced by NASA in October 2020 with eight countries as original signatories.
Saudi Arabia has become the latest nation to sign the Artemis Accords, affirming its commitment to sustainable space exploration guided by a common set of principles that promote the beneficial use of space for all of humanity.
Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, CEO of the Saudi Space Commission, signed the Accords on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah. Saudia Arabia is the 21st country to sign the Artemis Accords.
Speaking about the new member, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, who participated in the ceremony remotely, said: “Today Saudi Arabia adds its voice to a diverse and growing set of nations. Together we can ensure that humanitys rapid expansion into space, toward the Moon and destinations beyond, will be done peaceably, safely, and in full accordance with international law.”
NASA, together with the US Department of State, announced the establishment of the Artemis Accords in 2020. The Artemis Accords are a set of principles to guide the next phase in space exploration, reinforcing and providing for important operational implementation of key obligations in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The Accords also reinforce the commitment by the United States and signatory nations to the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behaviour that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data.
Additional countries will sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead, as the United States continues to work with international partners to establish a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space. Working with both new and existing partners will add new energy and capabilities to ensure the entire world can benefit from our journey of exploration and discovery.
