Senegal has officially become the 56th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a significant step in promoting peaceful and collaborative exploration of outer space. The announcement was made by NASA on July 25, 2023, highlighting the nation’s commitment to international cooperation in space activities.
The Artemis Accords set forth a framework for nations to engage in space exploration responsibly and transparently. Key principles outlined in the accords include the provision of assistance to those in need, ensuring unhindered access to scientific data, and preserving historically significant sites and artifacts. Furthermore, the accords encourage nations to develop best practices that benefit all humanity in their space endeavors.
Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy remarked on the strengthening of ties between the United States and Senegal, stating, “Today, NASA built upon the strong relations between our two nations as the Senegalese Agency for Space Studies signed the Artemis Accords.” The signing ceremony was attended by Maram Kairé, Director General of the Senegalese space agency, who represented Senegal in this important initiative. Also present were Jonathan Pratt, senior bureau official for African Affairs at the U.S. State Department, and Abdoul Wahab Haidara, Senegal’s ambassador to the United States.
Kairé expressed the significance of Senegal’s participation, stating, “Senegal’s adherence to the Artemis Accords reflects our commitment to a multilateral, responsible, and transparent approach to space. This signature marks a meaningful step in our space diplomacy and in our ambition to contribute to the peaceful exploration of outer space.”
Senegal has already demonstrated its capabilities in the field of astronomy. Senegalese astronomers have collaborated with NASA on various missions, notably participating in observations during events where asteroids or planets pass in front of stars, casting shadows on Earth. In 2021, NASA and Kairé led a ground observation campaign in Senegal to study the asteroid Orus as it transited in front of a star. Telescopes were strategically positioned along the path of the asteroid’s shadow to ascertain its shape and size.
Looking ahead, NASA’s Lucy spacecraft is set to approach the asteroid Orus in 2028 as part of its mission to explore Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids. The signing of the Artemis Accords by Senegal is expected to pave the way for more nations to join this international effort, as NASA continues to work towards establishing a safe and prosperous future in space.
With this latest signing, Senegal joins a growing coalition of nations dedicated to fostering cooperation in space exploration, ensuring that the benefits of such endeavors are shared globally.
