New Zealand and NASA have teamed up to improve space exploration endeavors under the multilateral Artemis Accords.
The Accords provide guidelines for peaceful space exploration, transparency in activities, and laws governing scientific findings and the use of space resources.
30Th Anniversary Of Apollo 11 Landing On The Moon (9 Of 20): Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Lunar Module Pilot, Is Photographed Walking Near The Lunar Module During The Apollo 11 Extravehicular Activity. Man's First Landing On The Moon Occurred Today At 4:17 P.M. July 20, 1969, As Lunar Module "Eagle" Touched Down Gently On The Sea Of Tranquility On The East Side Of The Moon. The Lm (Lunar Module) Landed On The Moon On July 20, 1969, And Returned To The Command Module On July 21. The Command Module Left Lunar Orbit On July 22 And Returned To Earth On July 24, 1969. Apollo 11 Splashed Down In The Pacific Ocean On 24 July 1969 At 12:50:35 P.M. Edt After A Mission Elapsed Time Of 195 Hrs, 18 Mins, 35 Secs.
Artemis Accords An Excellent Step Towards Better Space Explorations
Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the agreement was an excellent first step toward adopting stronger restrictions around using space resources, such as lunar minerals, to ensure the long-term viability of space exploration.
"As one of only a small number of states with space launch capability, we take responsibilities of kaitiakitanga of the space environment seriously," Mahuta said per SpaceConnectOnline.
"New Zealand is committed to ensuring the next phase of space exploration is conducted in a safe, sustainable and transparent manner and in full compliance with international law," Mahuta pointed out.
Mahuta added that the ability to use space resources on the moon and other celestial bodies, such as minerals, is essential for the next phase of space exploration, including transporting humans to Mars.
Artemis Accord To Expand New Zealand's $1.7-Billion Space Industry
Stuart Nash, New Zealand's Minister for Economic and Regional Development, said in a statement provided by NASA that the pact would allow the country's $1.7 billion space industry to expand.
NASA, according to Nash, is actively seeking international collaboration as well as outsourcing essential technology solutions to the private sector. He went on to say that space exploration not only improves New Zealand's understanding of our planet and universe and fosters study, science, and creativity, but it also gives economic prospects.
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He went on to say that one of the government's economic aims is to help businesses take advantage of our worldwide links. According to him, the Artemis Accords allow the government to prepare for future economic and trade prospects while also achieving foreign policy goals.
New Zealand is the 11th signatory, Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Republic of Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Ukraine.
What is Artemis Accords?
NASA, in collaboration with the US Department of State, announced the Artemis Accords in 2020.
According to the space agency's website, the Artemis Accords consolidate and implement the 1967 Treaty on Principles Governing States' Activities in Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, also known as the Outer Space Treaty.
They also reaffirm the US and partner nations' adherence to the Registration Convention, the Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, and other conduct standards that NASA and its partners have endorsed, including the public dissemination of scientific data.
NASA explained that the Artemis Accords would guide future joint efforts. The Artemis Accords will be implemented through bilateral agreements that will outline obligations and other legal restrictions. In the future, the partners will guarantee that their activities are compliant with the agreements. The space agency added that International collaboration on Artemis aims to strengthen space exploration and harmonious relations between states.
"Fundamentally, the Artemis Accords will help to avoid conflict in space and on Earth by strengthening mutual understanding and reducing misperceptions. Transparency, public registration, deconflicting operations - these are the principles that will preserve peace," said Mike Gold, NASA acting associate administrator for international and interagency relations, in a statement released by NASA.
"The Artemis journey is to the Moon, but the destination of the Accords is a peaceful and prosperous future."
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