Latest news with #Accords
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Norway becomes 55th nation to sign NASA Artemis Accords for peaceful space exploration
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Fifty-five nations have now penned their commitment to NASA's Artemis Accords. NASA announced Norway's decision to join the Artemis Accords for a "safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space" as the space agency's website phrases it. Norway is the third country to join the Artemis Accords so far in 2025. A signing ceremony to welcome Norway took place today (May 15) at the Norwegian Space Agency in Oslo, with Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth signing on behalf of the Norwegian government. "The United States and Norway have a longstanding relationship in space. Collaboration stretches back to 1962, when NASA supported the first civilian suborbital rocket launch mission above the Arctic Circle from Andøya Space," a statement from the U.S. Department of State says. 'We're grateful for the strong and meaningful collaboration we've already had with the Norwegian Space Agency,' acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro said in an agency statement. 'Now, by signing the Artemis Accords, Norway is not only supporting the future of exploration, but also helping us define it with all our partners for the Moon, Mars, and beyond,' she said. The Artemis Accords were established in October 2020 with the U.S. and seven other founding countries. The Accords represent a set of principles and guidelines designed to shape how nations explore the moon and deep space. The Accords also echo key concepts from the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, aiming to promote peaceful, cooperative space activity. The Artemis Program is NASA's current initiative to return humans to the moon to create a sustained presence on the lunar surface and eventually Mars. The first Artemis mission, Artemis 1, launched in November 2022. The mission launched the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with an uncrewed Orion spacecraft on a month-long mission into orbit around the moon and back. RELATED STORIES: — Cooperation on the moon: Are the Artemis Accords enough? — NASA's Artemis program: Everything you need to know — Estonia joins Artemis Accords as moon-exploration coalition agrees to continue outreach efforts Artemis 2, which has been delayed due to allow more time to prepare the Orion capsule after its predecessor mission experienced heat shield issues, will fly four astronauts a "free-return" trajectory around the moon once before flying them back to Earth as early as February 2026. Artemis 3, slated for 2027, will be the first mission in the program to land astronauts on the lunar surface, but beyond that, the program currently exists in uncertainty. The "skinny budget" recently released by the White House slashes NASA's budget by nearly 25%. The new budget cancels NASA's massive SLS rocket after Artemis 3, and scraps Gateway, the lunar space station also in development for future Artemis missions.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
More international space cooperation now that Norway becomes 55th Artemis Accords partner
May 15 (UPI) -- Norway became the 55th nation to sign the Artemis Accords during a ceremony in Oslo Thursday, agreeing to a pact designed to promote international cooperation in space exploration. "The United States and Norway have a longstanding relationship in space," a release from the U.S. State Department said. "Collaboration stretches back to 1962, when NASA supported the first suborbital rocket launch mission above the Arctic Circle from Andoya Space." Norway is stepping up its cooperation with the United States in space exploration ventures, the release said. The United States and seven other nations created the Artemis Accords in 2020 with the mission of establishing responsible space exploration practices. "The Artemis Accords affirm that cooperative activities should be exclusively for peaceful purposes and in accordance with international law," the State Department said on a site devoted to safe and responsible multi-nation space exploration. Prior to Norway joining the agreement, Finland was the most recent nation to sign the Accords on Tuesday.
Roya News
10-05-2025
- Business
- Roya News
Kushner advises on Saudi normalization in behind-the-scenes role: Hebrew media
Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and former senior advisor, is quietly shaping the administration's Middle East strategy ahead of Trump's upcoming regional visit, despite holding no official role. According to a CNN report cited by Yedioth Ahronoth, Kushner is advising officials on negotiations with Arab leaders, leveraging his deep ties with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to push for an expansion of the Abraham Accords, the 2020 agreements that normalized 'Israel's' relations with several Arab states. Kushner, who played a pivotal role in brokering the UAE-'Israel' normalization deal during Trump's first term, is focusing on softening Saudi Arabia's stance on joining the Accords. A senior administration official told CNN, 'There is a way, and Jared has thought about it a lot. He thinks outside the box. But there is a way to resolve this part for the Saudis and get them to start taking steps toward normalization.' While specific proposals remain undisclosed, Kushner's frequent communication with bin Salman, including via WhatsApp during Trump's first term, underscores his influence. The White House views Kushner as a critical asset, with one official noting, 'He's one of the few people who gets the attention of Arab leaders, as well as 'Israelis'.' His close relationship with Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been instrumental, with Kushner providing guidance on navigating regional personalities and issues. He attended Witkoff's swearing-in ceremony at the White House on May 6, 2025, and occasionally meets with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who serves as interim national security adviser. However, Kushner's involvement has sparked concerns due to his business interests in the region. His investment firm, Affinity Partners, received USD 2 billion from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund in 2022, raising ethical questions about potential conflicts of interest. Critics, including former US diplomats, worry that family financial interests could influence policy, though Kushner and his firm deny any impropriety. Saudi Arabia's condition for normalization—a clear path to Palestinian statehood—remains a significant hurdle, especially after the October 7, 2023, attacks and the Gaza genocide. While a Saudi deal is unlikely during Trump's visit, Kushner's behind-the-scenes efforts signal a long-term strategy to revive normalization talks, with the administration hopeful that his expertise and relationships will pave the way for diplomatic breakthroughs.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bangladesh becomes 54th nation to join NASA's Artemis Accords for 'peaceful exploration of deep space'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. NASA is signing more countries to its efforts for internationally cooperative exploration of the moon and beyond. Bangladesh is the 54th nation to join the Artemis Accords, and perhaps the first brought into the fold through the efforts of President Trump's transition team at NASA. Finland, the Accords' 53rd signatory, joined just one day after Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration and followed a fairly steady pace of new countries in late 2024. This most recent signing ceremony took place in Bangladesh's capital of Dhaka, where Defense Secretary Ashraf Uddin signed alongside interim U.S. Ambassador Tracey Jacobson. The event included a prerecorded video message from NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro. "We are thrilled by Bangladesh's signature of the Accords," Petro said in a statement from NASA today. "Bangladesh affirms its role in shaping the future of space exploration," Petro added in the release. "This is about ensuring that our journey to the moon — and beyond — is peaceful, sustainable, and transparent. We look forward to working together, to learning from one another and to seeing how Bangladesh's incredible talent and vision contribute to humanity's next great chapter in space." RELATED STORIES: — Cooperation on the moon: Are the Artemis Accords enough? — NASA's Artemis program: Everything you need to know — Estonia joins Artemis Accords as moon-exploration coalition agrees to continue outreach efforts Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus agreed with Petro, saying, 'Bangladesh's commitment to the Artemis Accords will enhance the country's engagement with NASA and the international community." The Artemis Accords were established in October 2020 with eight founding countries. They represent a set of shared principles and guidelines meant to shape how nations explore the moon and deep space. The Accords also reinforce key ideas from the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, aiming to promote peaceful, cooperative space activity.
Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
NASA Welcomes Bangladesh as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a signing ceremony Tuesday in Bangladesh's capital city of Dhaka, NASA congratulates Bangladesh as the 54th nation to commit to the safe and responsible exploration of space that benefits humanity. 'We are thrilled by Bangladesh's signature of the Accords,' said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro. 'Bangladesh affirms its role in shaping the future of space exploration. This is about ensuring that our journey to the Moon – and beyond – is peaceful, sustainable, and transparent. We look forward to working together, to learning from one another, and to seeing how Bangladesh's incredible talent and vision contribute to humanity's next great chapter in space.' Ashraf Uddin, the secretary of defense for Bangladesh, signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the country. Charge d'Affaires Tracey Jacobson for the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, participated in the event, and Petro contributed remarks in a pre-recorded video message. 'Bangladesh's commitment to the Artemis Accords will enhance the country's engagement with NASA and the international community,' said Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. 'By signing the accords, Bangladesh builds upon an important foundation for the open, responsible and peaceful exploration of space.' In 2020, the United States, led by NASA and the U.S. Department of State, and seven other initial signatory nations established the Artemis Accords, a first-ever set of practical guidelines for nations to increase safety of operations and reduce risk and uncertainty in their civil exploration activities. That group of signatories has grown to more than 50 countries today. The Artemis Accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements, including the Registration Convention and the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices for responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data.
