Chile Embarks on Space Exploration Journey as New Signatory of the Artemis Accords

Chile has officially joined the Artemis Accords, endorsing a global agreement for the ethical exploration of space, during a ceremonial signing at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C. Aisén Etcheverry, Chile’s Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, signed the Accords, marking the country as the 47th signatory and reinforcing Chile's role in the future of space exploration.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson hosted the event where Nelson highlighted the historic ties between the U.S. and Chilean scientific communities, particularly in the field of astronomy utilizing Chile's Atacama Desert facilities. He welcomed Chile to the Artemis program, expressing the potential for collective advancements and adherence to the Accords for a safer and more responsible journey to the cosmos.

Welcome to the #Artemis Accords, Chile 🇨🇱

Chile has become the 47th nation to commit to the peaceful and safe exploration of space. https://t.co/I6lVQqfTNg pic.twitter.com/JTWBWP4gkm

— NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) October 25, 2024

The Artemis Accords, established by NASA and the U.S. Department of State along with seven other founding nations in 2020, are a set of principles founded upon international treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty. The Accords are designed to ensure that space activities are conducted for the benefit of all humanity, promoting peace, transparency, interoperability, emergency assistance, and the release of scientific data, among other fundamental principles.

Chile's engagement heralds a significant step forward in Latin America’s participation in space exploration. The nation is set to contribute its distinguished expertise in astrobiology, geology, and mineralogy, fields integral to the understanding and potential colonization of other celestial bodies. A mutual commitment to technological development, scientific cooperation, and adherence to the Artemis principles was the crux of Minister Etcheverry’s address.

The Dominican Republic was also recognized at NASA Headquarters for its recent endorsement of the Artemis Accords, further illustrating the broadening international support for the Accords.

As more nations are predicted to join in the near future, including South Africa, which became a signatory earlier this month, the Artemis Accords are shaping the framework for global cooperation in space exploration. They facilitate pathways for the safe and sustainable utilization of outer space, demonstrating international unity in the pursuit of scientific and exploratory milestones.