We will go together
– said Bill Nelson, head of NASA, when announcing the Artemis-1 lunar mission, noting that a new world in space exploration begins with the American program. Since then, NASA has been moving in small steps towards being able to send a man to the moon again after more than half a century, while at the same time creating a space station orbiting the celestial body and a permanent surface base.
However, in addition to expansions aimed at the newly hot outer space, NASA is also placing much emphasis on the fact that the major milestones of space research expected in the future can be achieved according to clearly defined guidelines in cooperation with many countries. Speaking of which, the United States Announced in 2020 Artemis Accords The signature, which would establish the basic principles for the exploration of the Moon, Mars and other space objects, as well as the peaceful use of their resources. To date, nearly a quarter of the world's countries, or 45 countries, have joined the Convention. This year, 12 signatories were added to the agreement number, Most recently, Estonia joined the International Astronautical Congress last week.
Cooperation between countries in the field of space research is not without precedent. The International Space Station (ISS) program similarly began with intergovernmental cooperation. Experts say diversity of partners will be key to NASA's plans to achieve this To the moon in 2026 and then to Mars in the 2030s A manned mission could also be launched.
Michael Gould, a former NASA employee responsible for space policy and partnerships, stressed regarding the agreement that the Artemis program, combined with the global efforts of the United States, will not only bring better technology, but also a better future.
The purpose of the Artemis Accords is to strike proactively against conflicts and ensure a peaceful future. In developing the agreement, we wanted to ensure that it was as comprehensive as possible and that any country wishing to support responsible, safe and sustainable exploration could do so.
Gold said about the agreements.
Two important space powers,
However, China and Russia are still absent from the list of signatories.
The two countries are currently working together on a permanent residence, planned for 2035, at the lunar south pole. International Lunar Research Station ILRS Foundation. In recent years, China has been announcing its scientific achievements in the field of space research one after another, through which it is trying to overcome its weakness in front of the United States in this field. According to Nelson, China's space exploration activities, disguised as peaceful, actually cover its military developments.
According to experts, the Artemis Accords are able to start a dialogue in the field of space research, which is increasingly interested in small countries that do not have an independent space program. The reason for this is that these countries are also increasingly aware that they rely heavily on data from devices in space, such as satellites. Therefore, companies that offer these technologies and are gaining an increasing role in space research (eg: SpaceX) also become part of this dialogue.
Cover image source: Shutterstock
