TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: Recently, Sweden became the 38th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a significant step in international space cooperation.
EXPLANATION:
- The Accords, initiated by NASA and the US Department of State in 2020, aim to establish a framework of non-binding agreements to govern activities in outer space.
- NASA Administrator welcomed Sweden’s accession to the Artemis Accords, emphasizing the shared commitment to exploring space openly, transparently, and peacefully.
- The inclusion of Sweden expands the coalition of nations dedicated to advancing space exploration while adhering to fundamental principles and norms.
Artemis Accords
- Artemis Accords are established by the U.S. State Department and NASA with seven other founding members: Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom in 2020 for setting common principles to govern civil exploration and use of outer space, the moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids, for peaceful purposes.
- The Artemis Accords build upon foundational treaties such as the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and reinforce commitments to key agreements like the Registration Convention and Rescue and Return Agreement.
- Additionally, the Accords promote responsible behavior in space, including the public release of scientific data, to facilitate collaboration and transparency among signatory nations.
- Sweden’s endorsement of the Artemis Accords reflects a broader trend of international engagement in space exploration.
- With 38 signatories, including prominent spacefaring nations like India and Japan, the Accords serve as a platform for fostering cooperation and coordination in space endeavors.
- The emergence of a new space race characterized by diverse participants underscores the evolving dynamics of global space exploration.
- While the United States maintains its leadership in space exploration, China’s rapid advancements highlight its growing prominence in the field.
- Conversely, Russia faces challenges in replicating the successes of its Soviet-era space program, as evidenced by recent mission failures and issues with its contributions to the International Space Station.
Rising Players: India and Japan
- India and Japan have emerged as formidable contenders in the contemporary space race, marked by successful lunar missions and ambitious exploration objectives.
- Both countries have demonstrated capabilities in soft-landing spacecraft on the Moon, positioning themselves as key players in shaping the future of space exploration.
Implications for the Artemis Accords
- The participation of leading spacefaring nations like the United States, India, and Japan in the Artemis Accords underscores the Accords’ significance as a multilateral framework for space governance.
- By aligning with principles of transparency, cooperation, and responsible conduct, signatory nations pave the way for collaborative exploration and scientific advancement in outer space.
SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/sweden-signs-artemis-accords-9277354/
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