NASA Celebrates Five Years of Artemis Accords, Welcomes 3 New Nations
In October 2023, NASA celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Artemis Accords, a pivotal agreement aimed at fostering peaceful international cooperation in space exploration. This milestone was marked by the addition of three new signatories—Hungary, Malaysia, and the Philippines—bringing the total number of participating nations to 59. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy emphasized the significance of these new partnerships, highlighting that they reinforce a collective commitment to responsible space exploration during a time when some nations are attempting to militarize space. The Artemis Accords, established in 2020, aim to ensure transparency, safety, and sustainability in space endeavors, laying the groundwork for what many hope will be a new Golden Age of exploration.
The recent signings occurred in notable contexts: Malaysia and the Philippines joined the accords during President Trump’s visit to Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN Summit, while Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó signed the agreement during an official visit to Washington. This signing came shortly after Hungary’s astronaut Tibor Kapula participated in a mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, showcasing the country’s growing involvement in space activities. The Artemis Accords have evolved from an initial coalition of eight founding nations to a robust international framework, with significant discussions held at the recent Artemis Accords Principals’ Meeting in Sydney. Here, representatives from various nations convened to address crucial topics such as non-interference in space activities, orbital debris mitigation, and the interoperability of space systems, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the accords.
As NASA continues to promote the principles of the Artemis Accords, it is also planning a workshop for signatories in 2026 dedicated to enhancing transparency and data sharing. The agency’s commitment to openness is crucial for the sustainable exploration of the Moon and Mars, as well as for future endeavors beyond. Notably, four CubeSats from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and Germany are set to fly on the upcoming Artemis II mission, further exemplifying the international collaboration fostered by the accords. As more nations express interest in joining this coalition, the Artemis Accords are poised to play a vital role in shaping a safe and prosperous future for space exploration. For more information about the Artemis Accords, visit NASA’s official page.
NASA
October marked the fifth anniversary of NASA and the original founders signing the Artemis Accords, as well as the recognition of Hungary, Malaysia and the Philippines joining the expanding coalition dedicated to the peaceful exploration of space. The number of countries involved now totals 59.
“NASA welcomes the newest signatories, whose participation strengthens the global commitment to responsible exploration,” said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. “Their decision to sign the Artemis Accords affirms a shared commitment to safe, transparent, and peaceful exploration — at a time when others seek to weaponize the final frontier. Together we are building the foundation for the Golden Age of space exploration.”
Both Malaysia and the Philippines signed the Artemis Accords as part of President Trump’s visit to Kuala Lumpur for the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit. The separate signings were
announced
by the White House on Oct. 26.
Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó of Hungary signed the Artemis Accords on Oct. 22 while in Washington during an official visit, in the lead up to President Trump’s meeting with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Hungary’s signing came three months after Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) astronaut Tibor Kapu
launched to space
in a mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station. The private astronauts, part of the NASA-supported Axiom Mission 4 crew, spent about two weeks conducting science, outreach, and commercial activities, alongside NASA astronauts.
Five years of progress
On Oct. 13, 2020, during the first Trump Administration, the United States, led by NASA and the U.S. Department of State, joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies.
Since then, the Artemis Accords have grown into an international coalition. What began with a handful of founding nations has multiplied with seven countries signing in 2025 alone. The surge in participation highlights an increased global commitment to shaping a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space.
In September, NASA co-chaired the
Artemis Accords Principals’ Meeting in Sydney
alongside the space agencies of Australia and the United Arab Emirates. The gathering brought together dozens of signatory nations to deepen dialogue and strengthen shared commitments to the sustainable and responsible use of space. Global space leaders discussed the following topics:
Non-interference in each other’s space activities, including transparency on expected launch dates, general nature of activities, and landing location
Orbital debris mitigation
Interoperability of systems for safer and more efficient operations
Release of scientific data
At the meeting, NASA committed to hosting an Artemis Accords workshop in 2026 for signatories focused on transparency and the sharing of data. The agency has taken additional steps since the accords were established to release more information about lunar missions, promoting openness and preventing harmful interference.
The progress made by signatories, and their continued commitment to implementing the accords’ principles, is essential to advancing sustainable exploration of the Moon under the Artemis campaign, Mars, and beyond. Following a call to Artemis Accords signatories, four CubeSats from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and Germany,
will fly
on Artemis II.
More nations are expected to sign the accords in the months and years ahead, as NASA and its partners continue to advance the principles of the accords.
Learn more about the Artemis Accords at:
https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords
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Last Updated
Nov 20, 2025
Location
NASA Headquarters
Related Terms
Artemis Accords
Artemis 2
General
Office of International and Interagency Relations (OIIR)
