The Artemis Accords–NASA’s Proposed Framework for Moon Exploration and Exploitation

NASA has released the Artemis Accords, which it is billing as a framework that outlines how the Moon will be explored and exploited consistent with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

The accords call for economic exploitation of the Moon and the establishment of Safety Zones that would appear to be pseudo-national territories that nations would agree to respect and not interfere with.

Avoiding harmful interference is an important principle of the Outer Space Treaty, which is implemented by the Artemis Accords.

Specifically, via the Artemis Accords, NASA and partner nations will provide public information regarding the location and general nature of operations which will inform the scale and scope of ‘Safety Zones’.

Notification and coordination between partner nations to respect such safety zones will prevent harmful interference, implementing Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty and reinforcing the principle of due regard.

Leave a Reply