Armenia has become the latest country to sign up to NASA’s Artemis Accords. The country became the 43rd signatory during a ceremony at NASA’s Washington, D.C. headquarters on June 12, 2024.
“NASA is proud to welcome Armenia to the Artemis Accords as we expand the peaceful exploration of space,” said Administrator Bill Nelson. “As the 10th nation this year to sign the Artemis Accords, we are proving that exploration unites nations like few other things can.”
Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry, signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Armenia. Lilit Makunts, Armenia’s ambassador to the U.S., and Jennifer R. Littlejohn, acting assistant secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State, also participated in the event.
The United States and seven other nations were the first to sign the Artemis Accords in 2020, which support NASA’s Artemis campaign.
The accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements, including the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, and best practices and norms of responsible behaviour that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data.
NASA expects more countries to sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years to come.
