Botswana Joins Artemis Accords

NASA has announced an upcoming ceremony where the Republic of Botswana will officially sign the Artemis Accords. The event is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. EDT on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. This marks a significant expansion of the international cooperative effort aimed at guiding the peaceful exploration of space.

The ceremony will be hosted by NASA’s Deputy Administrator, Matt Anderson, and will feature notable attendees including Botswana’s Minister of Communications and Innovation, David Tshere, and Gregory Autry, the U.S. Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Space. This key event underscores the growing global partnership in space exploration, with Botswana becoming the 68th nation to sign these accords.

Initially established in 2020 during the first Trump Administration, the Artemis Accords were developed by the United States, NASA, and the State Department along with seven other founding nations. The accords are designed to ensure safety, transparency, and coordination in civil space activities on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, reflecting the increasing interest from both governments and private sectors in lunar activities.

Media interested in covering this pivotal moment in space diplomacy must RSVP by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, by contacting NASA’s media office. This event highlights a continuing commitment to an internationally cooperative approach to space exploration, promoting peaceful and sustainable activities beyond our planet.