, along with leaders from global space agencies and government representatives worldwide, convened recently to further the implementation of the Artemis Accords — practical principles designed to guide the responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
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United States, led by NASA and the Department of State, signed the accords on October 13, 2020, along with seven other founding nations.
The accords were created in response to the growing global interest in lunar activities by governments and private companies. They now comprise 56 signatories —nearly 30% of the world's countries.
The event was co-chaired by NASA, the Australian Space Agency, and the UAE Space Agency.
Dozens of nations were also represented, including the Peruvian Space Agency (Conida), creating the foundation for future space exploration for the Golden Age of exploration and innovation.
"The purpose of the accords is as important — if not more important — as it was when first established. This annual gathering of principals at IAC 2025 is a key opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to exploring the Moon, Mars and beyond in a peaceful, safe, and sustainable way," he added.
Space agency leaders discussed priorities
During the meeting, leaders discussed recommendations for non-interference in each other's space activities including transparency on expected launch dates, general nature of activities, and landing locations.
They also discussed orbital debris mitigation and disposal management, interoperability of systems for safer and more efficient operations, and the release of scientific data.
Last May, the United Arab Emirates hosted an Artemis Accords workshop focused on topics, such as non-interference and space object registration and reporting beyond Earth orbit.
"We are committed to strengthening international partnerships and facilitating the exchange of expertise, thereby contributing to the development of a robust global framework for safe and responsible space exploration, while opening new frontiers for scientific research," he stated.
The UAE official went on to add "this reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to enhancing international cooperation in space exploration and promoting the peaceful use of space."
The next Artemis Accords Workshop will be held in Peru in 2026. Preparations are already underway.
More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the coming months and years, as NASA continues its work to establish a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space.
In 2024, NASA and Conida laid the groundwork for a potential multi-year campaign to launch small scientific rockets from Peru, in collaboration with the United States.
NASA uses sounding rockets to carry scientific instruments into space on suborbital flights to collect important scientific data and test instrument prototypes.
They provide invaluable data that enhance our understanding of Earth's atmosphere and climate, our solar system, and the universe, while also testing equipment for deeper space travel.