Argentina has joined the nations committed to advancing space exploration cooperation as it becomes the 28th country to sign NASA's Artemis Accords.
The signing ceremony occurred at the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires on Thursday, July 27, with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Daniel Filmus, Argentina's Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, in attendance.
The event also saw the presence of Argentine President Alberto Fernández and Marc Stanley, the US Ambassador to Argentina.
On July 27, 2023, Argentina's Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Daniel Filmus, signs the Artemis Accords at the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires. President Alberto Fernández, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and U.S. Ambassador Mark Stanley witnessed the historic event. Argentina joins as the 28th signatory, embracing the principles for international space exploration cooperation under NASA's Artemis program.
Argentina Is the Newest Member of NASA Artemis Accords
The Artemis Accords, a set of practical principles aimed at guiding space exploration collaboration, encompass countries participating in NASA's ambitious Artemis program.
By signing the accords, Argentina reinforces its dedication to the peaceful and transparent exploration of space, aligning with the United States and other signatory nations.
Bill Nelson expressed enthusiasm for the deepening partnership between the United States and Argentina in space endeavors. The two countries, celebrating two centuries of diplomatic relations this year, anticipate a future marked by joint discoveries and achievements in space exploration.
The establishment of the Artemis Accords in 2020 resulted from collaborative efforts between NASA and seven other founding member nations facilitated by the US Department of State. Argentina's inclusion in the accords further enhances international cooperation in space activities with peaceful objectives.
Additionally, the Artemis Accords strengthen essential commitments specified in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, reaffirming the dedication of signatory nations to vital agreements like the Registration Convention and the Rescue and Return Agreement.
Moreover, the accords prioritize best practices and responsible conduct, ensuring the transparent dissemination of scientific data gathered during space missions.
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Argentina's Field of Space Development
This milestone represents a pivotal aspect of Argentina's space development strategy. Alberto Fernández emphasized the nation's profound belief in the significance of science and technology, solidifying their commitment to advancing space exploration as a crucial state policy.
"It is very important we take this step as it is key that we move forward in the field of space development. We are convinced that it must be a state policy," Fernández said in a statement. "We have done a lot to retain our scientists, we have always been interested in science and technology, we believe that this is the way to go."
On the other hand, Bill Nelson said: "As the United States and Argentina mark two centuries of diplomatic relations this year, we know our partnership over the next century will be deepened by discoveries made together in space."
"Along with our fellow Artemis Accords signatories, the United States and Argentina are setting a standard for 21st century exploration and use of space. As we explore together, we will explore peacefully, safely, and transparently," he added.
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