NASA Welcomes Bangladesh as the Newest Artemis Accords Signatory

Bangladesh became the 54th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a significant agreement promoting the peaceful, sustainable, and transparent exploration of space. The signing ceremony took place in Dhaka, with Ashraf Uddin, Bangladesh’s Secretary of Defense, representing the nation. NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro expressed excitement over Bangladesh’s commitment to contributing to the next era of space exploration, including the Moon missions under the Artemis program.

Key Highlights

Bangladesh’s Commitment to Space Exploration

• Bangladesh signs the Artemis Accords on April 8, 2025, becoming the 54th signatory.
• The country is committed to ensuring safe, sustainable, and transparent space exploration.
• The signing reaffirms Bangladesh’s position in the international space community and emphasizes cooperation with NASA and other spacefaring nations.

Significance of the Artemis Accords

• The Artemis Accords, established in 2020, are a set of guidelines for safe and responsible space exploration.
• These accords aim to reduce operational risks and uncertainties, promoting international collaboration.
• The accords are based on international treaties like the Outer Space Treaty, the Registration Convention, and the Rescue and Return Agreement.

International Collaboration

• NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro congratulated Bangladesh, highlighting its role in shaping the future of space exploration.
• Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, emphasized the importance of open and peaceful space exploration for the global community.
• Charge d’Affaires Tracey Jacobson from the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka also participated in the ceremony, reinforcing bilateral collaboration.

The Artemis Program and Bangladesh

• NASA’s Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon, setting the stage for future missions to Mars.
• Bangladesh’s signing of the accords enhances its engagement in space activities, opening doors to joint missions and technology sharing.

Global Impact

• The Artemis Accords have now been signed by more than 50 nations, reflecting growing international cooperation in civil space exploration.
• The signing countries agree to follow best practices, including the public release of scientific data to benefit humanity.