On June 21, NASA announced that India has become the 27th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a significant milestone in international space cooperation. The signing ceremony took place at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India's ambassador to the United States, participating.
The Artemis Accords serve as a practical framework for collaboration among nations involved in NASA's Artemis program. These accords lay down guiding principles for space exploration and cooperation.
During the signing ceremony, Administrator Nelson expressed NASA's pleasure in expanding its partnership with India, both on Earth and in space. He emphasized the importance of peaceful and transparent exploration as humans venture farther into the cosmos. Administrator Nelson thanked India for its leadership in signing the Artemis Accords and expressed enthusiasm for the joint accomplishments that lie ahead.
“On behalf of NASA, on behalf of President Biden and Vice President Harris, we are very pleased to grow our partnership with India here on Earth and in space. As we venture farther out into the cosmos than ever before, how we go is as important as what we do when we reach our destinations. We want to go in a peaceful way. We want to go in a transparent way. And we want to support each other in times of trouble. We are very grateful for India’s leadership in signing the Artemis Accords and look forward to all that we will accomplish together,” said Administrator Bill Nelson.
Ambassador Sandhu highlighted the significance of India's participation in the Artemis Accords, characterizing it as a landmark step in bilateral space cooperation. He reiterated India's commitment to space exploration, underpinned by enhanced levels of cooperation and progress. India, being a responsible space power, places utmost importance on the peaceful and sustainable utilization of outer space. Ambassador Sandhu expressed confidence that the Artemis Accords would promote a rule-based approach to space activities, emphasizing their potential to advance humanity's betterment. He stated that signing the accords exemplifies the partnership's evolution into a force for global good.
The Artemis Accords were initially established in 2020 by NASA, in collaboration with seven other founding member nations. These accords reinforce and implement key obligations outlined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. Furthermore, they underscore the commitment of the United States and signatory nations to the Registration Convention, Rescue and Return Agreement, and best practices for responsible behavior, including the public release of scientific data.
By expanding its international partnerships, NASA aims to ensure a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space. The involvement of both new and existing partners will bring fresh energy and capabilities, ensuring that the benefits of exploration and discovery extend to the entire world.
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