Uzbekistan Becomes 77th Signatory of Artemis Accords

The Republic of Uzbekistan became the 77th signatory of the Artemis Accords during a ceremony in Samarkand on Monday, committing to practical principles for safe, transparent and responsible civil space exploration.

Uzbekistan Joins International Lunar Exploration Effort

“Uzbekistan is joining the Artemis Accords at a critical time,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson. “President Trump has directed NASA to build a lunar base and establish a permanent presence on the Moon. In putting the principles of the Artemis Accords into practice, we are expanding opportunities for like-minded nations around the world to help return humans to the Moon. Uzbekistan is a welcome addition to this growing coalition.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the country. The signing took place during a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Uzbekistan Expands Cooperation With NASA

Uzbekistan is deepening its engagement with NASA and the broader international space community through the development of a national space program and participation in global space forums focused on developing the country’s space industry.

Uzbekistan’s students are also working to develop and launch the country’s first CubeSat, or Small Satellite Technology Demonstration, by 2028.

In early October, NASA officials met with representatives of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technology and the Uzbekistan Space Agency, Uzkosmos, during the 2026 International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Türkiye. The two sides discussed opportunities for increased civil space cooperation and engagement. Uzbekistan is scheduled to host the annual global space event in 2028.

What Are the Artemis Accords?

In 2020, NASA and the State Department joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords in response to growing interest in lunar activities by governments and private industry.

The agreement introduced a set of practical principles aimed at increasing safety and cooperation between nations exploring destinations such as the Moon and Mars.

What Signing the Artemis Accords Means

By signing the Artemis Accords, countries commit to preserving historically significant sites and artifacts, conducting exploration peacefully and transparently, providing aid to those in need, and making scientific data available for the benefit of all humanity.

Signatories also agree to ensure that their activities do not interfere with the activities of others and to develop best practices for space exploration that benefit all.

More Countries Expected to Join

More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the coming months and years as NASA continues its work to build a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space.

For more information on the Artemis Accords, please see below.