Context:

Norway has officially signed the Artemis Accords, joining a growing coalition of nations committed to the peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration of space. The signing ceremony was held at the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) headquarters in Oslo.

About Artemis Accords:

The Artemis Accords are a non-binding multilateral agreement initiated by the United States through NASA and the U.S. Department of State, aiming to establish a framework for peaceful, transparent, and cooperative civil space exploration. These Accords build upon the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, reaffirming and expanding its principles in the modern context of lunar and planetary exploration.

Key Principles:

1.       Peaceful Purposes: Activities in outer space must align with international law and be conducted exclusively for peaceful purposes.

2.      Transparency: Signatories commit to openly sharing policies, plans, and scientific data.

3.      Interoperability: Encouragement of technical compatibility among space systems to promote safety and cooperation.

4.     Emergency Assistance: Obligation to assist astronauts in distress, in line with existing international agreements.

5.     Preservation of Space Heritage: Commitment to protecting historic sites and artifacts in outer space.

6.     Resource Utilization: Support for the sustainable extraction and use of space resources in accordance with the Outer Space Treaty.

7.      Orbital Debris Mitigation: Promotion of best practices for space debris management and post-mission disposal.

Significance:

• Promotes international collaboration in space exploration.
• Ensures safety, predictability, and sustainability in space operations.
• Encourages the peaceful and equitable use of outer space for the benefit of all humankind.

Current Status:

• 55 nations have signed the Artemis Accords.
• Notably, India is a signatory, though it is not participating in the NASA-led Artemis Program.

About Outer Space Treaty (OST) – 1967:

The Outer Space Treaty, formally titled the “Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies,” is the cornerstone of international space law. It was signed in January 1967 and entered into force in October 1967.

Key Principles of OST:

1.       Peaceful Use:  Outer space shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes. The use of space for military activities is limited, and aggressive actions are prohibited.

2.      No Weapons of Mass Destruction: The placement of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in Earth orbit, on celestial bodies, or in outer space is strictly prohibited.

3.      Freedom of Exploration: Outer space is free for exploration and use by all nations, regardless of economic or scientific development. Activities must benefit all humankind.

4.     Non-Appropriation: No nation may claim sovereignty over the Moon or any other celestial body. Outer space is not subject to national appropriation by any means.

5.     Responsibility and Liability: States are responsible for national space activities, whether conducted by government or private entities, and are liable for damage caused by their space objects.

6.     Avoid Harmful Contamination: Countries must avoid harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies, and similarly avoid introducing extraterrestrial matter that could adversely affect Earth.

Conclusion:

Norway's signing of the Artemis Accords marks a significant step in international cooperation for peaceful and responsible space exploration.