Denmark The 48th Nation to Sign Artemis Accords

In a move underscoring its commitment to sustainable space exploration, Denmark has joined the growing list of countries endorsing the Artemis Accords.

Christina Egelund, Denmark’s Minister of Higher Education and Science, officially signed the document during a ceremony held in Copenhagen on November 13. U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Alan Leventhal attended the event, while NASA Administrator Bill Nelson shared his remarks via video.

“The signing of the Accords is in line with the Danish government’s upcoming strategy for space research and innovation...As part of the strategy, Denmark seeks to strengthen ties with our allies such as the United States.” - Christina Egelund, Denmark’s Minister of Higher Education and Science

A Rapidly Growing Alliance

Denmark is the 48th nation to sign the Artemis Accords, and the fifth since early October. The Accords outline best practices for sustainable and responsible space exploration, aligning with the goals of NASA’s Artemis program to return humans to the Moon and expand international collaboration in space.

“The number of countries has grown very quickly this year,...More and more signatories now represent every continent on Earth and are taking on the most pressing issues of their implementation” - Karen Feldstein, NASA’s Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations

Comparing Global Initiatives

Comparisons between the Artemis Accords and the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS); which Senegal joined in September as its 13th participant, also promotes principles of responsible space exploration. However, these principles have not yet been published, contrasting with the transparency emphasized in the Artemis Accords.

“From my perspective, China speaking about principles for responsible behavior in space is a good thing...An apparent emulation of the Accords, even if it is only rhetoric, is a powerful public acknowledgment of NASA’s assertion of how we go is just as important as what we do...I look forward to the world knowing more about the ILRS and the principles espoused therein in the spirit of transparency, which is a core principle of the Accords” - Karen Feldstein, NASA’s Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations

A Collaborative Future in Space

Denmark’s decision to join the Artemis Accords reflects its strategic commitment to advancing space research while strengthening international alliances.

With 48 countries now united under the Accords, NASA continues to foster a global framework for safe, sustainable, and responsible space exploration.

As international interest in lunar exploration grows, the Accords serve as a guiding document, ensuring that humanity’s return to the Moon and eventual journeys to Mars are conducted with the principles of cooperation, transparency, and sustainability at the forefront.