Ireland Joins Global Space Exploration Framework as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory

Signing Ceremony Scheduled at NASA Headquarters

On Monday, May 4, 2026, Ireland will become the latest nation to sign the Artemis Accords during a formal ceremony at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The event is set for 3:00 p.m. EDT and will be hosted by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. Key attendees include Ireland's Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason; the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, T.D.; and officials from the U.S. Department of State.

Media Accreditation and Attendance

The ceremony is open to in-person media coverage only. Journalists who wish to attend must RSVP by 12:00 p.m. EDT on May 4 via email to hq-media@mail.nasa.gov. NASA's media accreditation policy is available online for further details.

Understanding the Artemis Accords

The Artemis Accords represent a landmark international agreement focused on the peaceful and responsible exploration of space. First established in 2020 during the initial Trump administration, the Accords were created through a partnership between NASA and the U.S. State Department, alongside seven other founding nations. These principles emerged in response to growing interest from both government agencies and private enterprises in lunar exploration and beyond.

Core Principles for a New Era of Space Exploration

The Accords introduce practical, non-binding principles aimed at enhancing safety, transparency, and coordination among civil space actors. Key commitments include:

• Peaceful purposes – All activities must comply with international law and be carried out for peaceful ends.
• Transparency – Signatories agree to share plans and policies to avoid misunderstandings.
• Interoperability – Systems should be designed to work together seamlessly.
• Emergency assistance – Nations will aid each other in distress during space missions.
• Registration of space objects – Objects launched into space must be properly registered.
• Release of scientific data – Results from activities will be made publicly available.
• Protecting heritage – Sites like Apollo lunar landing zones are preserved.
• Space resources – Extraction and use of space resources are permitted, consistent with the Outer Space Treaty.
• Deconfliction of activities – Mechanisms to prevent harmful interference between missions.
• Orbital debris mitigation – Steps to minimize debris generation.

Ireland's Commitment to Responsible Space Exploration

By signing the Accords, Ireland aligns itself with a growing coalition of nations dedicated to safe and cooperative space exploration. The Irish government has increasingly invested in space-related activities, including satellite technology and Earth observation. This step underscores the country's commitment to international collaboration in the lunar, Martian, and cislunar domains.

A Growing International Consensus

Since its inception, the Artemis Accords have attracted signatories from every continent, reflecting broad global support for the principles they enshrine. As of early 2026, over 40 nations have signed, making it one of the most widely endorsed space governance frameworks. Ireland's accession further strengthens this network, promoting a collaborative approach to the next generation of space exploration.

Learn More

For comprehensive details on the Accords, including the full text and list of signatories, visit the official NASA page: https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords.

Media Contacts

For inquiries, contact Camille Gallo or Elizabeth Shaw at NASA Headquarters:
Phone: 202-358-1600
Email: camille.m.gallo@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.shaw@nasa.gov

Last Updated: Apr 30, 2026
Location: NASA Headquarters
Related Terms: Artemis Accords, Artemis, Office of International and Interagency Relations (OIIR)