Signed! Head of Australian Space Agency, Dr Megan Clark signs release with Deputy Head, Anthony Murfett witness.
The Australian Space Agency has signed up to the Artemis Accords, committing it to space exploration cooperation with the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
The Artemis Accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty 1967 and establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations.
They aim to increase the safety of operations, reduce uncertainty, and promote the sustainable and beneficial use of space.
At the 71st International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held virtually, Administrator of NASA, Jim Bridenstine announced that Australia would join the US Agency in going back to the Moon safely and sustainably.
“Artemis will be the broadest and most diverse international human space exploration program in history,” Mr Bridenstine said.
“We are uniting with our partners to explore the Moon and are establishing vital principles that will create a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space for all of humanity to enjoy.”
He said international partnerships would play a key role in achieving a sustainable and robust presence on the Moon later this decade while preparing to conduct a historic human mission to Mars.
Head of the Australian Space Agency, Megan Clark said she was proud that the Agency, just two years old, could stand shoulder to shoulder, with NASA and other counterparts from across the globe to confirm its commitment to a safe, peaceful and prosperous future.
“It’s through the principles of the Artemis Accords, that we share a collective interest in the exploration of outer space for peaceful purposes and to contribute to society and economic growth,” Dr Clark said.
