Senegal Joins Artemis Accords: Advancing Space Exploration Cooperation
Senegal has officially become the 56th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a monumental step in the global framework for peaceful and transparent space exploration. The historic signing ceremony, overseen by NASA at their headquarters in Washington, marks a significant milestone in Senegal’s space diplomacy.
Maram Kairé, the Director General of the Senegalese Agency for Space Studies (ASES), represented Senegal by signing the accords. This event saw the participation of key figures such as Jonathan Pratt from the US Department of State and Abdoul Wahab Haidara, the Senegalese ambassador to the United States.
Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy lauded the strengthened relations between Senegal and the US, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in space as Senegal solidifies its commitment to a responsible and transparent approach to space exploration.
Senegal’s astronomers have a history of collaboration with NASA, with recent joint efforts including the observation of asteroid Orus in 2021. This collaborative data collection will contribute to NASA’s upcoming Lucy mission, enhancing our understanding of Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids.
The Artemis Accords, originating in 2020, outline the guiding principles for civil space exploration. These principles focus on peaceful cooperation, data sharing, and sustainable space activities, reinforcing a shared vision of a secure and beneficial space environment.
As interest in space exploration grows globally, NASA foresees an expansion of the Artemis Accords, promoting a secure and cooperative space domain for all of humanity.
