Turkey Signs Artemis Accords for Peaceful Space Cooperation

Turkey's Foreign Ministry announced that the country has signed the Artemis Accords, a set of non-binding principles aimed at enhancing the safety of lunar exploration and promoting the peaceful, sustainable, and beneficial use of outer space. In a written statement, the ministry said Turkey signed the accords on the previous day. The statement emphasized Turkey's continued support for international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of space, and its commitment to contributing to space technology and exploration efforts based on international law with an inclusive and innovative approach.

The ministry also noted that the 77th International Astronautical Congress, which Turkey will host in Antalya from October 5-9, will provide an important platform for reinforcing this shared vision. According to ministry sources, the Artemis Accords were initiated by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 2020 together with seven countries: Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. The accords are a non-binding set of principles.

With Turkey's signing, the number of signatory countries reaches 70, and Turkey may now participate as a partner country in the Artemis programs. Turkey's inclusion in the Artemis Program is expected to contribute to the integration of its developing space industry into the global space economy and to the advancement of its National Space Program. The accords align with the goals set in Turkey's 2022-2030 National Space Program Strategy Document, which aims to strengthen regional and international cooperation to develop domestic and national capabilities in space technologies and industries.