Latvia joins NASA-led initiative on peaceful space exploration

RIGA - Latvia has joined the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) space initiative Artemis Accords, which provides for cooperation in peaceful and sustainable space exploration, the Ministry of Education and Science informed LETA.

The agreement was signed in Washington by Education and Science Minister Dace Melbarde (New Unity) and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

The Artemis Accords set out principles for peaceful and sustainable space exploration, including cooperation, transparency and responsible space behavior. The agreement was developed in 2020 and has more than 50 signatories, including several European Union (EU) countries, as well as Japan, Canada and Australia.

Melbarde sees joining the initiative as an investment in Latvia's future, especially in the development of students, researchers and innovators, and strengthens the country's role in the international space community. Latvia will be able to cooperate more closely with the US in the space sector, involve local companies and researchers in international projects, and strengthen the country's visibility in the space sector.

Latvia has been involved in the space sector for several years, with more than 120 projects implemented by companies, research institutions and universities since joining the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2020, the ministry said.

Latvian companies are also participating in international space projects, including lunar exploration initiatives, developing technological solutions for navigation, data processing and other areas. At the same time, space technologies are also used in practical applications such as environmental monitoring, agriculture and infrastructure management, the ministry said.