With its integration into this international treaty, Ecuador will be part of the discussion on proposals to explore space. The Artemis program includes sending the first woman and the next man to the surface of the Moon in 2024.
Ecuador became the twenty-sixth signatory of the Artemis Agreements, an international initiative that promotes collaboration for the exploration and use of the aerospace industry .
On Wednesday, June 21, Foreign Minister Gustavo Manrique signed the accession during a visit to Washington, United States.
“Ecuador adds its voice to a diverse and growing group of nations committed to the notion of humanity’s rapid expansion in space ,” said Karen Feldstein, NASA associate director for international relations.
What is Artemis?
NASA and the US Department of State established the Artemis Accords in 2020 together with Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
Additional signatories since then include Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Mexico and Spain.
The Artemis Accords strengthen and apply the 1967 Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies.
The Artemis program includes sending the first woman and the next man to the surface of the Moon in 2024.
According to the Foreign Ministry, by being part of these agreements, Ecuador will be able to access international cooperation in technology, science, agriculture, medicine and economic opportunities.
In addition, Ecuador will be part of the discussion on proposals to explore space.