Artemis Accords Aim to Regulate Peaceful Space Exploration Amid Growing Global Interest
The Artemis Accords, introduced by NASA and the U.S. government in 2020, are a set of non-binding principles designed to guide the peaceful and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. As of January 26, 2026, 61 countries, including the United States, India, and Australia, have signed the Accords. These principles emphasize transparency, data sharing, and the responsible use of space resources, such as mining lunar ice. The Accords also propose safety zones around operations and the protection of historic lunar sites. Notably, China and Russia have not joined the Accords, opting for a separate lunar cooperation framework.