Germany signs Artemis Accords
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy Updates
On 14 September 2023, Germany became the 29th country party to the Artemis Accords – a set of nonbinding principles, guidelines, and best practices to enhance the governance of the civil exploration and use of outer space. They also seek…
For All Humanity – the Future of Outer Space Governance | Our Common Agenda Policy Brief 7
With increased congestion in Earth's orbit and a rising number of stakeholders vying for space resources, outer space's safety, security, and sustainability are at a tipping point. As nations increasingly turn their gaze upward, calls grow louder for agile governance to mitigate emerging risks. The Policy Brief outlines policy steps for addressing risks and maximising the potential for peaceful use of outer space.
Spain joins Artemis Accords
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy Updates
Spain became the 25th country to join the Artemis Accords – a set of nonbinding principles, guidelines, and best practices to enhance the governance of the civil exploration and use of outer space. The Accords were announced in 2020 by NASA…
US government releases Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy Updates
The US Department of State has released the country’s first Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy, dedicated to advancing ‘US global space leadership’, expanding international cooperation on space activities while promoting responsible…
Partners agree to extending operations of International Space Station
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy UpdatesThe International Space Station partners have committed to extending the operations of the station in low Earth orbit, until 2030. The USA, Japan, Canada, and the participating countries of the European Space Agency have confirmed they will support continued space station operations through 2030, while Russia has confirmed it will support continued station operations through 2028.
USA and South Korea agree to strengthen cooperation in space science and exploration
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy UpdatesThe US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea signed a joint statement of intent to explore further cooperation in space science and exploration. The two organisations will undertake a concept study to identify joint projects related to deep space communications, lunar science and technology, including gateways, robotics, mobility, and space medicine research for lunar settlement activities.
Space Safety Coalition publishes updated best practices for space operations
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy Updates
The Space Safety Coalition – a coalition of companies, organisations, and governmental and industry actors dedicated to promoting space safety – has published an updated set of Best Practices for the Sustainability of Space Operations.…
Scientists call for global consensus on governing Earth’s orbit
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy Updates
An international group of scientists have called for a global consensus on how best to govern Earth's orbit. There are concerns that the growing number of satellites – expected to increase from 9,000 today to over 60,000 by 2030 – could…
US Space Command publishes tenets of responsible behaviour in space
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy Updates
The US Space Command has published a set of tenets of responsible military behaviour in space:
Operate in, from, to, and through space with due regard to others and in a professional manner.
Limit the generation of long-lived debris.
Avoid…
Nigeria and Rwanda sign Artemis Accords
Space diplomacy Space diplomacy Updates
Nigeria and Rwanda signed the Artemis Accords, becoming the first two African countries to adhere to the set of nonbinding commitments to facilitate the peaceful and safe exploration of outer space.
The Artemis Accords, signed by 23…
Gender equality in space diplomacy
Gender and diplomacy, Space diplomacy Gender and diplomacy, Space diplomacy UpdatesSpace diplomacy should become more gender-inclusive – from changes in the language used in space negotiations, to greater involvement of women in space diplomacy.
Moon Agreement
The Moon Agreement is an international agreement that was adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly. It is a set of principles that govern the exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies. The agreement sets out the legal framework for activities in space, including the establishment of a framework for international cooperation and the sharing of resources. It also establishes principles for the equitable and peaceful use of outer space, as well as the protection of the environment. It entered into force on 11 July 1984. The agreement states that all activities in outer space should be conducted for the benefit and in the interests of all countries and should be carried out with due regard to the corresponding interests of all other states. It also states that no country should claim sovereignty over any part of outer space, including the
