Uzbekistan joins NASA’s Artemis Accords to expand space cooperation
Uzbekistan has become the 77th country to sign the Artemis Accords, an international agreement establishing principles for the peaceful exploration of the Moon, Mars and other celestial bodies.
The document was signed by Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio following bilateral negotiations in Samarkand on October 19.
The agreement is expected to expand Uzbekistan’s cooperation with NASA and other national space agencies, creating opportunities for specialist training and the transfer of space technologies.
«Following our bilateral talks, together with H.E. Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, we signed the Artemis Accords,» Saidov announced on his Telegram channel.
He added that the agreement would help Uzbekistan develop its space sector through international cooperation and access to expertise from participating countries.
What are the Artemis Accords?
The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by NASA, the US Department of State and seven other founding countries to create common principles for civilian space exploration.
The framework covers activities involving the Moon, Mars, comets and asteroids, with particular emphasis on international cooperation and the responsible use of space resources.
Participating countries commit to several principles, including:
- Peaceful and transparent space exploration
- Sharing scientific data and research findings
- Providing assistance to astronauts in emergencies
- Preventing interference between space missions
- Preserving historically significant sites and artefacts in space
- Reducing orbital debris and promoting sustainable operations
The accords build on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and other international agreements governing activities beyond Earth.
Unlike a legally binding treaty, the Artemis Accords establish a shared political commitment to responsible space exploration. Specific missions and projects require separate arrangements between participating organisations.
What does joining mean for Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan’s accession creates opportunities to participate in international space research and establish closer working relationships with NASA and other space agencies.
According to Saidov, the agreement could support the training of Uzbek specialists, the development of national expertise and the transfer of technologies used in space exploration.
NASA has previously invited Artemis Accords signatories to contribute to its lunar exploration programme through scientific instruments, technology demonstrations and small satellites known as CubeSats.
Uzbekistan’s accession follows the addition of Albania, Croatia, Côte d’Ivoire and San Marino in September 2026, when the number of participating countries reached 76.
