Norway has officially become the 55th country to sign NASA’s Artemis Accords, pledging peaceful cooperation in the global exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
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| NASA welcomes Norway as the latest partner in its Artemis program, expanding international collaboration for peaceful and sustainable space exploration. Image: NASA/ CH |
WASHINGTON, USA — May 16, 2025:
NASA has formally welcomed Norway as the 55th nation to sign the Artemis Accords, strengthening international commitments to peaceful, transparent, and sustainable space exploration.
The signing ceremony took place Thursday at the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) headquarters in Oslo, where Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth signed the historic agreement. She was joined by Christian Hauglie-Hanssen, Director General of NOSA, and Robert Needham, U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires in Norway. Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro contributed remarks via a recorded message, celebrating the expanding global coalition.
“We're grateful for the strong and meaningful collaboration we've already had with the Norwegian Space Agency,” Petro said. “By signing the Artemis Accords, Norway is helping define the future of space exploration with us and our partners.”
Minister Myrseth emphasized the importance of this step for Norway. “Joining the Artemis Accords reinforces our commitment to international cooperation and peaceful use of outer space,” she said.
Established in 2020 by the United States, NASA, and the U.S. Department of State, the Artemis Accords provide a non-binding framework for civil space exploration based on shared principles. These principles draw from the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the Registration Convention, and the Rescue and Return Agreement, while promoting best practices such as open data sharing, peaceful use, and safety in space operations.
With Norway’s addition, the Artemis coalition now includes 55 nations, representing a growing consensus on responsible conduct in outer space. The Accords are closely tied to NASA’s Artemis Program, which aims to return humans to the Moon, establish a sustainable lunar presence, and pave the way for future missions to Mars.
This latest partnership underscores Norway’s increasing role in space science and technology, while boosting transatlantic cooperation in one of humanity’s most ambitious frontiers.