The meeting took place on Monday at the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), where global leaders in space science and policy came together to strengthen cooperation under the accords. The event also marked the upcoming five-year anniversary of the initiative, which was first introduced in 2020.
In his opening remarks, acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy reflected on the significance of the milestone.
“When President Trump launched the Artemis Accords in his first term, he ensured American values would lead the way – bringing together a coalition of nations to set the rules of the road in space and ensure exploration remains peaceful,” Duffy said.
“After five years, the coalition is stronger than ever. This is critical as we seek to beat China to the moon – not just to leave footprints, but this time to stay.”
Initially signed on 13 October 2020 by the United States, in partnership with seven other founding nations, the Artemis Accords were developed in response to the growing international and commercial interest in lunar and deep-space activities. The accords now include 56 signatory nations, representing nearly 30 per cent of the world’s countries.
The Sydney event was co-chaired by NASA, the Australian Space Agency, and the UAE Space Agency, bringing together dozens of countries to chart the next phase of cooperative exploration described by organisers as a “Golden Age” of innovation and discovery.
Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, said Australia remains a proud founding signatory and continues to play a leading role in expanding regional participation.
“Australia is a proud founding signatory of the Artemis Accords and is focused on supporting new signatories in the Indo-Pacific region,” Palermo said.
“The purpose of the accords is as important – if not more important – as it was when first established. This annual gathering of principals at IAC 2025 provides a vital opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to exploring the moon, Mars and beyond in a peaceful, safe and sustainable way.”
During the meeting, delegates discussed ways to enhance transparency and coordination between nations, including the sharing of expected launch dates, mission objectives and landing sites. Other topics included orbital debris management, system interoperability for safer operations and the open release of scientific data.
The discussions followed a May 2025 Artemis Accords workshop hosted by the United Arab Emirates, which focused on non-interference protocols and the registration and reporting of space objects beyond Earth orbit.
UAE Minister of Sports and chairman of the UAE Space Agency, Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, said the Emirates’ active participation underscored its commitment to international cooperation and responsible exploration.
“Through our participation in the Artemis Accords and specialised workshops, we aim to reinforce the principles of transparency, sustainability and innovation in space activities,” Dr Al Falasi said.
“We are committed to strengthening partnerships and sharing expertise to develop a robust global framework for safe and responsible space exploration, while opening new frontiers for scientific research.”
More nations are expected to join the Artemis Accords in the coming years as NASA and its partners continue to work towards a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space – one defined by collaboration, transparency and shared discovery.