Outer space: Rwanda and Nigeria sign an accord for more responsible exploration - why this matters
It consists of practical principles to guide exploration, science and commerce in outer space.
- It consists of practical principles to guide exploration, science and commerce in outer space.
- Nigeria and Rwanda signed the accords on 14 December 2022, becoming the 22nd and 23rd countries, respectively, and the first African countries to do so.
What are the Artemis Accords?
- The Artemis Accords are principles, guidelines and best practices shared by the US and other governments participating in NASA’s Artemis Program, which aims to explore the Moon and send astronauts to Mars.
- The accords seek to advance international cooperation and peace in space activities, for the benefit of humanity.
- Key principles of the Artemis Accords include respect for the sovereignty of celestial bodies, interoperability of systems, transparency and predictability of space activities.
How does membership benefit countries?
- As signatories, Nigeria and Rwanda are demonstrating their commitment to safe, sustainable use of outer space.
- It makes their space sectors more appealing to international investors and shows they are committed to exploiting space to advance their economies.
- Read more:
Africa has ambitious goals for 2063: plans for outer space hold the key to successThe Accords will allow Africa to benefit from shared knowledge and technological resources.
- African space nations can use their advantageous position in the Accords to advance national interests in the space industry.
- African nations must push for a sharing formula for mined space resources to be shared among signatories to the Accords.
Does membership present any challenges?
- So African states could find themselves liable for damage done by another partner nation.
- African countries should also prepare for financial and other consequences in the event of US cancellation or withdrawal from the Accords.
- This may affect Nigeria’s and Rwanda’s interests and foreign relationships as they relate to China.