Liechtenstein has officially become the 52nd signatory of the Artemis Accords, marking a significant step in its commitment to responsible and sustainable space exploration. The signing ceremony took place at NASA Headquarters, where Rainer Schnepfleitner, Director of Liechtenstein’s Office for Communications, signed the Accords on behalf of the government. The event was attended by Ambassador of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the United States Georg Sparber, U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Scott C. Miller, and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy.
The Artemis Accords, first established in 2020 by the United States and seven other founding nations, set out a practical framework for responsible, transparent, and peaceful space exploration. These principles prioritize international cooperation, the peaceful use of outer space, and the protection of the space environment. Liechtenstein’s decision to join the Artemis Accords is a strong affirmation of its dedication to advancing these global principles, enhancing international partnerships in space, and contributing to humanity’s shared goals in space exploration.
Advancing Global Cooperation in Space
Liechtenstein’s accession to the Artemis Accords is welcomed by the United States, which sees the country as a valued friend and partner. The U.S. State Department and NASA jointly oversee the outreach and implementation of the Accords, which now include 52 nations, spanning continents and cultures, all committed to working together to create a sustainable and peaceful space environment.
“Liechtenstein is a valued friend and partner, with a steadfast commitment to human rights, democratic values, and good governance,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson. “Their signing of the Artemis Accords underscores their continued commitment to the principles of peaceful space exploration and international cooperation.”
The Accords now cover countries across the globe, including major spacefaring nations like the United States, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom, as well as emerging space leaders such as the United Arab Emirates, India, and Nigeria. By joining this growing coalition, Liechtenstein solidifies its place in the international effort to build a robust, secure, and sustainable space economy.
A Shared Vision for Space Exploration
The Artemis Accords are named after NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence there by the end of the decade. The Artemis program is part of a broader vision for space exploration that includes long-term human missions to Mars and beyond.
The Accords are designed to ensure that these ambitious goals are pursued with a focus on safety, transparency, and shared benefits. They advocate for the peaceful use of space, the protection of space heritage, and cooperation on scientific discovery and resource utilization. By signing the Accords, Liechtenstein is committing to the core values of these efforts, including:
- The peaceful use of outer space: Emphasizing the importance of preventing space from becoming a source of conflict.
- Transparency and cooperation: Encouraging the sharing of scientific data and collaboration among nations for peaceful purposes.
- Sustainable space exploration: Ensuring that space exploration does not harm the space environment, including the protection of space debris and the preservation of lunar and planetary resources.
- Artemis Base Camp and the Moon: The Accords align with NASA’s Artemis program to establish the first permanent human presence on the Moon, creating a foundation for future exploration of Mars.
A Growing Coalition for the Future of Space
Liechtenstein’s accession is a continuation of the expanding global commitment to the responsible use of space. In addition to Liechtenstein, the list of signatories includes 51 other countries such as Angola, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, and many others.
As the Artemis Accords continue to grow, the international space community is setting the stage for collaborative efforts that will enable sustainable exploration and commercial activity in space. The United States, along with its international partners, is focused on maintaining space as a peaceful, cooperative frontier that benefits all of humanity.
Looking Ahead
With Liechtenstein now part of the Artemis Accords, the international coalition looks ahead to a future in which space exploration is defined by partnerships, not competition. As the world prepares for the next chapter in space exploration, Liechtenstein’s involvement serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure that space remains a global commons for all nations to explore and use for peaceful purposes.
For more information on the Artemis Accords, please visit the U.S. State Department’s official website at https://www.state.gov/artemis-accords/.