Morocco joins NASA’s Artemis Accords, becoming 64th nation to sign

Morocco has officially joined the Artemis Accords, a non-binding set of principles co-led by the United States Department of State and NASA aimed at guiding civil space exploration and the peaceful use of outer space in the 21st century.

The accords were signed Wednesday by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, making the kingdom the 64th nation to join the initiative.

The Artemis Accords were first launched on Oct. 13, 2020, with eight founding members: Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The framework covers civilian space activities in orbit, on the surface and below the surface of the Moon, Mars, asteroids and comets.

It also applies to stable orbital zones known as Lagrange points in the Earth-Moon system, as well as transit routes between these celestial bodies and locations.

“It gives me so much pleasure to see the beautiful and historic flag of Morocco now being added to all these other flags of the countries that have signed the Artemis Accords,” U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said during a press conference.

Landau said the signing comes as Morocco and the United States approach nearly 250 years of diplomatic relations, which began in 1777 when Morocco became the first country to recognize U.S. independence.

He said the two countries have remained close partners since.

In a recorded message, Jared Isaacman said Morocco had joined a “growing community of nations working together to ignite a new era of peaceful, transparent and responsible space exploration.”

He added that the kingdom joined the accords at a key moment, as the Artemis II mission marks the beginning of humanity’s return to the Moon.

Future missions, he said, aim not only to return astronauts to the lunar surface, but also to establish a long-term presence there.

The signing took place during Landau’s regional tour from April 27 to May 1, which includes visits to Algeria and Morocco and focuses on regional stability and strengthening economic and strategic partnerships across North Africa.

The deputy secretary is also expected to meet government officials and business leaders to discuss technology, space cooperation and long-standing security ties.