Published: April 8, 2025, 06:32 PM
The Artemis Accords provide a common set of principles to enhance the governance of the civil exploration and use of outer space
Bangladesh signed the `Artemis Accords` with the United States` National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) today (8 April), marking a significant step towards non-military space exploration.
The signing ceremony, held on the second day of the four-day Bangladesh Investment Summit at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka, saw the participation of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and U.S. Embassy Chargé d`Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson. The agreement was signed by Bangladesh`s Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin.
The Artemis Accords, established in 2020 by NASA in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and seven other nations, provide a common set of principles aimed at enhancing the governance of civil space exploration and the use of outer space. With Bangladesh becoming the 54th country to sign the accords, this move aligns the country with global efforts to foster scientific discovery, protect space heritage, and responsibly utilize space resources.
In a video message, NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro expressed that with the signing, Bangladesh has committed strongly to the peaceful, responsible, and transparent exploration of space.
BIDA chief Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun stated that the signing of the Artemis Accords has opened a new chapter in space research collaboration between Bangladesh and the United States, which will help accelerate Bangladesh`s space research activities.
Defence Secretary Ashraf Uddin explained that the accords are based on non-binding principles and best practices rooted in the Outer Space Treaty. These principles promote safe, transparent, and sustainable civil space exploration, including exploration of the Moon and other celestial bodies. He added that since the establishment of the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) in 1980, Bangladesh has adhered to international rules on the peaceful use of space.
With the signing of the Artemis Accords, Bangladesh joins a prestigious international space alliance that includes countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, India, the UAE, Australia, and others from Europe and Latin America.
Ashraf Uddin highlighted that Bangladesh will benefit greatly from technology transfer, economic cooperation, and scientific collaboration through the accords. He emphasized that this partnership will enhance SPARRSO`s capacity and open avenues for cooperation with NASA, accelerating Bangladesh`s space missions.
Collaboration with NASA and other space agencies will provide Bangladesh access to advanced space technologies, satellite systems, and cutting-edge scientific research. This collaboration could significantly enhance Bangladesh’s satellite program, which is crucial for managing disasters such as floods and cyclones.
He also mentioned the potential benefits for Bangladeshi universities and scientists, who will have opportunities to collaborate with leading global institutions in space research and innovation. Students will also benefit from NASA training programs, scholarships, and exchange opportunities.
Among those present at the signing ceremony were Chief of Protocol and Director General of North America Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, AFM Zahid-Ul-Islam, and SPARRSO Chairman Md Rashedul Islam.
