Vietnam has become the 78th country to sign the Artemis Accords, joining an expanding coalition committed to peaceful, transparent and responsible space exploration. The agreement builds on more than 30 years of cooperation between Vietnam and the United States and could deepen collaboration in satellite technology, Earth observation, scientific research and future lunar and planetary exploration.
Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quang signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the country during Vietnam International Digital Week in Ha Long. Jennifer Wicks, the US ambassador to Vietnam, also participated in the signing ceremony.
“Vietnam is participating at a critical point in the development of its own space program,” NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson said in recorded remarks at the ceremony. “NASA and the Vietnam National Space Center have built momentum in satellite innovation, land use research, and radar-based Earth observation. Joining the Artemis Accord opens a new chapter in that relationship. We were aligned on principles. The opportunity is before us, and we can now build on that foundation together. We are proud to welcome Vietnam to the Artemis Accord community.”
Vietnam’s decision expands the comprehensive strategic partnership between the United States and Vietnam into space exploration. That partnership, built over more than 30 years, includes cooperation in defense, economics, law enforcement, war heritage and technology, with the aim of promoting peace, stability and prosperity in a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Vietnam’s growing space program
Earlier this year, NASA partnered with Vietnam-German University in Vietnam to support research involving NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, which measures surface soil water around the world.
Vietnam has also opened a national space center in Hanoi and is developing domestic satellite capabilities through the LOTUSat program. Those capabilities focus on Earth observation, weather monitoring and disaster response.
What the Artemis Accords commit signatories to
In 2020, NASA and the US State Department joined seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords in response to growing interest in lunar activities by governments and private companies. The countries introduced a set of practical principles intended to improve safety and cooperation during exploration of destinations such as the Moon and Mars.
By signing the Artemis Accords, countries commit to preserving historically significant sites and artifacts; conducting exploration peacefully and transparently; providing aid to people in need; sharing scientific data from which all humanity can learn; ensuring that their activities do not interfere with those of other participants; and developing best practices in space exploration for the benefit of all.
More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the coming months and years as NASA continues working toward a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space.
For more information, see the Artemis Accords resources below.
Source: www.nasa.gov