Albania joins the American initiative for space exploration

Albania has become the 73rd country to join the Artemis Accords, an initiative led by NASA and the US Department of State for international cooperation in the peaceful and responsible exploration of space.

The agreement was signed on Monday at NASA headquarters in Washington by Albania's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha.

"This moment adds a new and important dimension to the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States," said Hoxha.

According to him, the agreement creates new opportunities for young Albanians and for cooperation in technology and science.

NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson said that relations between Albania and the United States, which date back more than a century, are also expanding into the field of space exploration.

What are Artemis Agreements?

The Artemis Accords are a set of principles for international cooperation in the exploration and peaceful uses of space, with a particular focus on the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies.

They were created in 2020 by NASA and the US Department of State, along with seven founding countries. The agreements are not legally binding, but they set out principles for cooperation and safety during space activities.

The signatory countries commit to transparency and sharing of scientific data, assistance to astronauts in emergencies, protection of sites of historical importance on the Moon, and avoidance of interference between missions. They also include measures to limit space debris.

Among the 73 countries that are part of the initiative are the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Canada, India, Brazil, Ukraine, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

Participation in the Artemis Accords does not require a country to have its own space program. The initiative aims to create a common framework for cooperation between countries on future space activities.

Albania has already begun using space technology for Earth observation. In January 2023, it launched the Albania-1 and Albania-2 satellites with a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The signing of the Artemis Agreements enables Albania to be part of this international framework of cooperation in space exploration and to develop future collaborations with NASA and other signatory countries.

Në korrik të vitit 2026, Marrëveshjeve Artemis iu bashkua edhe Serbia.