Albania Signs Artemis Accords, Becoming 73rd Signatory

Albania signed the Artemis Accords during a ceremony at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C. Ferit Hoxha placed the signature on behalf of the country.

NASA hosted the signing event at its headquarters in the U.S. capital.

Albania became the 73rd nation to join the accords.

Ferit Hoxha signed the document, with Ervin Bushati and Connor Tomlinson also participating in the event.

The signing marks a significant step for Albania in space-based data, following the launch of two Earth-observation satellites, Albania-1 and Albania-2, in January 2023. Both satellites flew on SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets from Kennedy Space Center.

The Artemis Accords were established by NASA, the U.S. State Department, and seven founding nations as the first set of practical principles for space exploration, covering the Moon, Mars, and beyond, and outline future lunar exploration with NASA.

Albania’s accession to the Artemis Accords reinforces its growing commitment to space activities, building on the country’s 2023 satellite launches. The accords provide a framework for cooperation with NASA on future lunar exploration, aligning with international principles for operations on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The Artemis Accords were established by NASA, the State Department, and seven founding nations. They represent the first set of practical principles for space exploration, aiming to guide missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.