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With 51 signatory countries, including the recent accession of Thailand, and exclusive technology from NASA, the Artemis Accords promise to transform lunar exploration, while Russia and China remain outside this historic alliance.
Created by NASA in 2020, these agreements aim to promote international cooperation in the peaceful and sustainable use of space. With 51 signatory nations so far, including the recent accession of Thailand, the world is more united than ever in exploring the cosmos. But why are countries like Russia and China not on this list? Let's find out.
What are the Artemis Accords?
The Artemis Accords are an extension of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the militarization of the Moon and other celestial bodies. They set guidelines for space exploration, including practices such as data sharing, astronaut rescue and preservation of historic sites in space. In short, it is a manual for good coexistence in the cosmos.
These agreements are closely linked to NASA’s Artemis program, which seeks to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable lunar base. The program has an ambitious goal: to pave the way for future missions to Mars. So the Accords are not just a set of rules; they are the foundation for an interplanetary future.
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Who are the signatories?
So far, 51 nations have signed the Accords, but only the United States has the technology to send humans beyond Earth orbit. Other signatories, such as Japan and the European Union, are collaborating primarily on developing technologies such as lunar modules and rovers. Interestingly, countries with little or no space experience, such as the Dominican Republic and Angola, have also signed on, demonstrating the global reach of the initiative.
Why were Russia and China left out?
Not all major space players are on the list. Russia and China, for example, have not signed the Agreements. China, with their plans to establish a base lunar lander by 2030, is seen as a direct competitor to the US. Russia, a historic partner in the International Space Station, seems to be focusing on other projects of its own. Could these absences impact international cooperation in space?
Fundamental principles and rules
The agreements, led by NASA, reinforce that space is a heritage of all humanity, and no nation can claim sovereignty over the Moon or other celestial bodies. This means that any exploration must benefit all countries, regardless of their economic development.
Another important point is the preservation of space heritage. Historic sites, such as the first lunar landing sites, must be protected. The signatories commit to adopting sustainable practices, ensuring that lunar exploration does not cause irreparable damage to the environment.
The Artemis program would not be possible without international collaboration. The European Space Agency (ESA) is developing service modules for the Orion capsule, while Japan is working on a new lunar rover. These partnerships show that space exploration is a collective effort.
Despite the collaboration, the main equipment remains American. Rockets from Boeing, capsules from Lockheed Martin and landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin are at the heart of the Artemis missions. This reinforces the technological leadership role of the United States in the program.
The Moon Race and NASA's Role
NASA has been pushing for the United States to be the first to return to the moon. Agency Administrator Bill Nelson has stressed the need to beat China to the moon, citing concerns about compliance with international principles.
Although they are a framework for cooperation, the Artemis Accords are not legally binding. This means that signatories can work with countries outside the agreement, such as China, without legal consequences. This flexibility could create challenges in the future.
The Artemis Accords represent a significant step forward for space exploration, promoting international cooperation and establishing guidelines for the responsible use of space. With 51 signatory nations, the program demonstrates how space can bring countries together, despite their differences.
However, the absence of major powers such as Russia and China and the voluntary nature of the agreements raise questions about its long-term effectiveness. Will we see a future where all countries collaborate to explore the cosmos, or will we continue to be divided into blocs? Time will tell, but for now, NASA continues to lead this chapter in human history.
