Ireland to sign Artemis Accords at NASA ceremony in Washington

Ireland is set to formally join the Artemis Accords during a signing ceremony at NASA Headquarters in Washington on Monday, 4 May. The event is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. EDT and will be hosted by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

Ireland's Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, and Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, T.D., will attend the proceedings alongside US Department of State officials. The signing marks Ireland's participation in the 2020 agreement established by the United States and seven founding nations to set practical principles for safe and transparent civil space exploration on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The Artemis Accords were introduced in 2020 during the first Trump Administration, led by NASA and the US Department of State. The framework was developed in response to growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies. The accords represent the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing safety, transparency, and coordination in civil space exploration.

Logistics for the event are strictly in person only. Media organisations interested in attending the ceremony must RSVP by 12 p.m. on 4 May to [email protected]. Further details regarding media accreditation can be found on the NASA website.

The ceremony underscores the ongoing global effort to establish clear guidelines for future space missions. By joining the agreement, Ireland aligns its space policy with the international standards set forth by the founding nations to ensure responsible exploration.