The Dominican Republic is the latest nation to sign the Artemis Accords. This October 2024, the DR joined 43 other countries in the commitment to advance principles for the safe, transparent, and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond with NASA.
The US space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced: “NASA is proud to welcome the Dominican Republic signing of the Artemis Accords as we expand the peaceful exploration of space to all nations,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “The Dominican Republic has made important strides toward a shared future in space and is now helping guide space exploration for the Artemis Generation.”
Sonia Guzmán, ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the United States, signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the country on 4 October 2024. The DR subsequently participated in a high-level meeting of Artemis Accords signatories that took place on 14 October, during the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, where furthering implementation of the principles were discussed.
“This marks a historic step in our commitment to international collaboration in space exploration,” said Ambassador Guzmán. “This is not just a scientific or technological milestone – it represents a future where the Dominican Republic contributes to the shared goals of peace, sustainability, and innovation beyond our planet. By joining the global effort to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond, we are also expanding the opportunities for our young Dominicans in science, education, and economic development.”
In 2020, the United States and seven other nations were the first to sign the Artemis Accords, which identified an early set of principles promoting the beneficial use of space for humanity. The accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements including the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data.
The commitments of the Artemis Accords and efforts by the signatories to advance implementation of these principles support the safe and sustainable exploration of space. More countries are expected to sign in the coming weeks and months.
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28 October 2024