By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Mauritius has become the
70th country to sign the Artemis Accords, reinforcing its commitment to the
peaceful exploration and use of outer space while strengthening space
cooperation with the United States and other participating nations.
The signing ceremony took
place in Ébène, where the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary
Education, Science and Research, Navindsing Jugmohunsing, signed the Accords on
behalf of the Republic of Mauritius.
The event was witnessed by
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Sarah Troutman and
U.S. Chargé d'Affaires to Mauritius Craig Halbmaier.
The accession marks a new
chapter in the 58-year bilateral relationship between the United States and
Mauritius, expanding cooperation beyond traditional areas such as diplomacy,
education, trade, security and science into the growing space sector.
According to the U.S.
Department of State, Mauritius' participation in the Artemis Accords will
create new opportunities for collaboration in space technology, scientific
research and commercial space activities while promoting the responsible and
peaceful exploration of outer space.
The Artemis Accords were
launched in 2020 by the United States and seven partner countries to establish
a shared framework for civil space exploration based on transparency,
interoperability, peaceful cooperation and the responsible use of space
resources.
With Mauritius joining the
initiative, the number of signatory countries has grown to 70, reflecting
increasing international support for principles that guide sustainable and
cooperative space exploration.
The United States said the
continued expansion of the Artemis Accords underscores the growing global
interest in international collaboration on space exploration and the
development of emerging space technologies.
