NASA has officially welcomed Norway as the 55th country to sign the Artemis Accords, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful, transparent, and responsible space exploration. Bangladesh is also a member, highlighting the growing global coalition behind the initiative, according to a press statement.
The announcement followed an international signing ceremony held Thursday at the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) headquarters in Oslo. The event marked Norway’s formal pledge to collaborate in future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond under NASA’s Artemis program.
Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth signed the accords on behalf of Norway. Also in attendance were Christian Hauglie-Hanssen, Director General of NOSA, and Robert Needham, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Norway. Janet Petro, NASA’s acting Administrator, shared her congratulatory remarks via a pre-recorded video message.
“We're grateful for the strong and meaningful collaboration we’ve already had with the Norwegian Space Agency,” Petro said. “Now, by signing the Artemis Accords, Norway is not only supporting the future of exploration, but also helping us define it with all our partners.”
Minister Myrseth called the agreement “an important step” toward broader international collaboration. “We are pleased to be a part of the Artemis Accords. This will enable Norway to contribute to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space,” she stated.
The Artemis Accords, launched in 2020 by the United States, NASA, and the U.S. Department of State along with seven founding countries, establish a framework of best practices and norms for responsible civil space activities. They are rooted in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, as well as complementary agreements such as the Registration Convention and the Rescue and Return Agreement.
The accords also emphasize transparency, data sharing, and the peaceful use of space, aligning with NASA's commitment to open scientific research and international partnership in the evolving era of space exploration.
Norway’s inclusion further solidifies the Artemis initiative as a globally backed endeavor, representing a wide coalition of countries—including Bangladesh—working toward sustainable and secure activities beyond Earth’s orbit.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
