Senegal signed the Artemis Accords on Thursday, becoming the latest nation to join the global initiative promoting responsible space exploration. The signing ceremony was hosted by NASA at its headquarters in Washington, marking a significant step forward in Senegal’s commitment to peaceful and transparent space activities.
According to acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, the signing is part of the agency’s efforts to build on strong relations with Senegal, following a meeting between President Trump and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. With Senegal as the 56th signatory, NASA has further reinforced President Trump’s legacy of global cooperation in space.
Maram Kairé, Director General of the Senegalese Agency for Space Studies (ASES), signed the accords on behalf of Senegal, stating that the country’s adherence reflects a commitment to a multilateral and responsible approach to space exploration. The signing marks an important milestone in Senegal’s space diplomacy and its ambition to contribute to peaceful outer space exploration.
Senegal has previously supported NASA missions by participating in observations of asteroids and planets passing in front of stars, providing valuable data for scientific research. The country also collaborated with NASA on a ground observation campaign in 2021, which aimed to study the asteroid Orus.
The Artemis Accords are a set of principles aimed at enhancing safety, transparency, and coordination in civil space exploration on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. By joining the accords, Senegal commits to exploring peacefully and transparently, sharing scientific data with humanity, and preserving historical sites and artifacts.
As more countries join the Artemis Accords, NASA continues its efforts to establish a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space. The agreement is expected to contribute significantly to global cooperation in space exploration, promoting the shared goals of science, peace, and mutual understanding.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-welcomes-senegal-as-newest-artemis-accords-signatory