The United States, led by NASA and the U.S. Department of State, joined representatives from dozens of nations in Lima, Peru, on May 13-14 for the fourth annual Artemis Accords workshop, marking a significant milestone in international space cooperation as the number of signatory nations reached 67.
Six countries — Latvia, Jordan, Morocco, Malta, Ireland, and Paraguay — signed the Artemis Accords in ceremonies at NASA Headquarters and abroad ahead of the event, underscoring the accelerating global momentum behind the framework. The Artemis Accords were originally established in 2020 during President Donald J. Trump's first administration with seven founding nations and have since grown to encompass countries from every region of the world.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the significance of the gathering, stating: "This gathering showcases the remarkable global momentum behind the Artemis Accords and our Artemis program. The Artemis Accords were created in President Trump's first term and, as we execute his National Space Policy, we are putting these principles into practice. By aligning our capabilities, acting with urgency, and moving forward as partners, these signatory countries will help shape the future, not from the sidelines, but as essential contributors to humanity's first permanent outpost on the Moon."
Peru hosted the workshop for the first time, marking the inaugural Artemis Accords gathering in South America. Representatives from 30 countries participated in technical discussions and a tabletop exercise focused on operating in complex lunar environments. All South American signatory countries took part in the event, with 90 percent participating in person.
Major General Roberto Melgar Sheen, director of the Peruvian Space Agency (CONIDA), emphasized the regional significance: "One of our objectives in hosting this edition of the workshops in our country was to increase regional participation. I am pleased to say that we have achieved this." Peru's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Felix Denegri added that Peru joined the Accords in 2024 "aiming to participate in a cutting-edge dialogue mechanism that addresses global trends in space exploration."
The workshop community reviewed planned lunar landing and orbiting missions from all signatories in attendance. With more than a dozen lunar landing missions expected over the next 18 months, discussions centered on non-interference, interoperability, release of scientific data, orbital debris, and mitigation strategies. NASA presented its exploration plan, which accelerates missions to the Moon. Artemis Accords signatories now have expanded opportunities to support NASA's Moon Base program and deepen their participation in the broader Artemis program.
Signing the Artemis Accords commits nations to peaceful and transparent exploration of space; rendering aid to those in need; enabling access to scientific data; ensuring activities do not interfere with those of others; and preserving historically significant sites and artifacts through best practices. The framework has become the cornerstone of international space governance, providing a shared set of principles for civil exploration and commercial activity beyond Earth.
NASA officials indicated that more countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead as the agency continues its work to establish a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space. The workshop in Lima demonstrated that the international community is increasingly aligning around the U.S.-led vision for lunar exploration, with nations across South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia all playing active roles in shaping humanity's return to the Moon.
Sources: [whitehouse.gov/nasa.gov]
