NASA celebrates the 53rd nation joining the Artemis Accords, committing to safe space exploration that benefits humanity. The signing ceremony took place in Espoo, Finland, on the margins of the Aalto University’s Winter Satellite Workshop 2025. NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free emphasized the importance of sharing scientific data freely and operating safely.
Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wille Rydman, signed the Artemis Accords alongside Finnish space officials and attendees. Rydman highlighted Finland’s rich history in space exploration, innovation, and technology production. The signing aligns with Finland’s updated space strategy focusing on international cooperation and strengthening partnerships with the US.
NASA and Finland have collaborated on various initiatives, including the upcoming Intuitive Machines-2 delivery to the Moon under NASA’s Artemis campaign and CLPS initiative. Finnish company Nokia developed a lunar LTE/4G communications system for this mission. The Finnish Meteorological Institute also contributed instruments for the Curiosity Rover operating on Mars.
The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by the US, NASA, and seven other initial signatory nations to promote beneficial use of space for humanity. These accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements supporting responsible behavior, including public release of scientific data.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-welcomes-finland-as-newest-artemis-accords-signatory