Senegal has become the 56th nation to join the Artemis Accords, a US-led coalition aimed at exploring the Moon, just two countries after Thailand. The country also signed the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), an initiative spearheaded by China, in a significant move that signals its commitment to peaceful lunar exploration.
In a ceremony at NASA headquarters in Washington D.C., Senegal’s space agency director general, Maram Kairé, emphasized the importance of space for development and protecting the nation’s agriculture industry. “Space is not a luxury for us; it is a tool of development,” he said.
The Artemis Accords set best practices for responsible space exploration and greenlights lunar resource extraction. The ILRS, on the other hand, aims to build a scientific station at the Moon’s south pole by 2035. While US officials have welcomed nations to join both frameworks, only two countries, Senegal and Thailand, have signed both agreements so far.
The move marks a significant step in Senegal’s space diplomacy and its ambition to contribute to peaceful lunar exploration. The country has established its space agency since March 2023 and launched its first satellite, Gaindesat-1A, in August 2024.
Source: https://payloadspace.com/senegal-becomes-2nd-ilrs-member-to-join-artemis-accords