Latvia has officially signed the Artemis Accords, a set of guiding principles for safe and responsible space exploration, becoming the 60th nation to endorse the agreement. The Latvian government announced its decision on a government-affiliated website on October 31, emphasizing the move as a way to elevate its standing within the global space sector.
"Latvia’s accession to the Artemis Accords is a significant step toward our more active participation in the global space community. We are proud to become part of a group of nations committed to exploring and using space responsibly and sustainably," stated Dace Melbārde, Latvia’s minister for education and science.
The formal decision to join the Accords was made during an October 7 meeting of the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers, although it didn't gain widespread attention outside of Latvia at the time. The Artemis Accords, celebrating their fifth anniversary, build upon the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and other international agreements by establishing best practices for activities in space. These practices address crucial aspects like interoperability, transparency, the use of space resources, and the prevention of harmful interference through the deconfliction of space activities.
Latvia only recently became a signatory to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty in May, a year after becoming a member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). According to the government, signing the Accords represents a concerted effort to enhance its international engagement in space-related endeavors.
According to a translated Latvian government document about the Accords: "By signing the Artemis Accords, Latvia becomes part of a broader international cooperation aimed at ensuring peaceful and responsible space exploration, as well as reaffirming Latvia’s commitment to close cooperation with NASA and countries that actively advocate for sustainable space use (e.g., the United States, Japan, Australia)." The document also noted that "By joining the agreement, Latvia would gain the opportunity to strengthen its visibility in the international space cooperation network and create additional opportunities and favorable conditions for the development of Latvian industry and scientific institutes."
Latvia is currently an associate member of the European Space Agency, along with Lithuania and Slovakia. Cyprus signed an agreement Oct. 23 to become an associate member in the coming months. Associate membership allows countries to participate in optional ESA programs. As a member of the European Union, Latvia also emphasized that its decision to join the Artemis Accords aligns with the EU’s proposed Space Act.
Latvia is one of four countries that joined the Accords in October. Hungary signed Oct. 22, while Malaysia and the Philippines signed Oct. 26. Eight countries have joined so far this year, bringing the total to 60. Due to the federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1, the recent signings received little publicity from NASA or the U.S. State Department.