Head of the Australian Space Agency, Dr Megan Clark signs the release, witnessed by Deputy Head, Anthony Murfett. Image provided.

Australia has become one of the earliest signatories to NASA’s Artemis Accords, principles to promote international collaboration.

The Australian Space Agency has joined a handful of international agencies signing on to NASA’s Artemis Accords, aiming to usher a new era of international cooperation on space exploration.

The signing occurred virtually at the 71st International Astronautical Congress (IAC), after which NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced that the coalition of nations would join NASA in going ‘back’ to the Moon.

“Artemis will be the broadest and most diverse international human space exploration program in history,” he said.

“With today’s signing, 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.”

According to the Australian Space Agency, the new accords establish a set of practical principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.

Dr Megan Clark AC, head of the agency, said that partnerships will be critical in establishing a human presence on the Moon while preparing for a human mission to Mars.

“We’re so proud that our agency, just two years old can stand shoulder to shoulder, with NASA and our counterparts from across the globe on the stage today to confirm our commitment to a safe, peaceful and prosperous future,” she said.

“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.”

Australia signed on to NASA’s Moon to Mars initiative in September 2019.

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