Bangladesh inks Artemis Accords, joins NASA’s global space exploration initiative
Bangladesh has officially signed the Artemis Accords, becoming the 54th country to join this landmark initiative led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
The accords, established in October 2020, are a set of non-binding agreements aimed at promoting peaceful, cooperative, and sustainable civil exploration of outer space.
The signing ceremony, held in Dhaka, was attended by key dignitaries, including Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); Trucey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Dhaka; and Md. Ashraf Uddin, Defence Secretary of Bangladesh.
With this move, Bangladesh aligns itself with global efforts to advance scientific discovery, protect space heritage, and responsibly utilize space resources, contributing significantly to the nation’s development goals.
In his speech, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud emphasised that the signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in space research collaboration between Bangladesh and the United States. "Through this agreement, Bangladesh will be able to accelerate its space research activities and enhance its capabilities in the field of space science," he said.
Md Ashraf Uddin elaborated on the purpose of the Artemis Accords, describing them as a practical set of non-binding principles grounded in international treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty, the Registration Convention, and the Agreement on the Rescue and Return of Astronauts. These principles aim to ensure safe, transparent, and sustainable civil space exploration.
He highlighted Bangladesh’s longstanding commitment to the peaceful use of space, citing the establishment of the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) in 1980. "Since its inception, SPARRSO has adhered to international rules and norms for the peaceful utilization of space," he added.
By signing the Artemis Accords, Bangladesh joins a prestigious alliance of nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, India, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, among others. This membership is expected to bring significant benefits to Bangladesh in terms of technology transfer, economic cooperation, and scientific collaboration.
Ashraf Uddin noted that collaboration with NASA and other space agencies will provide Bangladesh access to cutting-edge space technology, satellite systems, and scientific research. "This partnership will not only enhance Bangladesh's satellite program but also support future space initiatives," he said.
The accords are set to bolster the capacity of SPARRSO, enabling it to accelerate Bangladesh’s space missions. Technical assistance from international partners could help develop advanced earth observation and climate monitoring satellites, which are critical for managing natural disasters like floods and cyclones—a recurring challenge for Bangladesh.
Additionally, Bangladeshi universities and scientists will gain opportunities to collaborate with top global institutions on space research and innovation. Students may also benefit from NASA training programmes, scholarships, and exchange initiatives, fostering a new generation of space scientists and engineers.
The Artemis Accords emphasise principles such as transparency, interoperability, and the protection of space heritage. By committing to these guidelines, Bangladesh joins a global effort to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of outer space.
As of January 21, 2025, 53 countries had already signed the accords, reflecting growing international consensus on the importance of peaceful space exploration. With Bangladesh now onboard, the accords further solidify the nation’s role in shaping the future of space science and technology.
AFM Zahid-Ul-Islam, Chief of Protocol and Director General of the North America Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), and Md Rashedul Islam, Chairman of SPARRSO were also present at the signing ceremony.
