Finland has signed the Artemis Accords, becoming the first country to do so in 2025 and the 53rd nation to join. The agreement outlines best practices for safe and sustainable space exploration.
The signing of the Accords was marked by NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free, who stated that Finland’s joining the community will enable the sharing of scientific data freely, safe operations, and preservation of the space environment for future generations.
Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wille Rydman, said the cooperation will open up opportunities for the Finnish space sector in the new era of space exploration. The country also reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations as the primary forum for international space law development.
The Artemis Accords were first signed by 19 countries in 2024, with a surge in interest attributed to growing appreciation for the agreement’s value as a platform for discussing issues like space safety and sustainability.
However, uncertainty surrounds the new administration’s stance on the Accords, citing its “America First” philosophy. The executive order issued by President Trump calls for championing core American interests and prioritizing the nation above all else.
Veterans from past administrations expressed differing views on the role of international cooperation in space exploration. While some questioned whether the new administration would support the Accords at the same level, others emphasized its importance as a means to establish norms, provide stability, and advance national interests through international engagement.
Source: https://spacenews.com/finland-signs-artemis-accords