Belgium Becomes Part of the Artemis Agreement

JAKARTA – Belgium, a country in Europe, has joined the Artemis Agreement. This collaboration was announced by the United States Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Tuesday, January 23.

During the European Space Conference held in Brussels, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib and Belgian Minister of State for Science Policy, Thomas Dermine signed the Artemis Treaty contract.

The two of them officially made Belgium the 34th country to support landing and exploration missions on the Moon. Belgium also became the first country to sign the Artemis Accords  this year.

After signing the contract, Lahbib said that this partnership would provide many benefits for Belgium. Apart from being able to collaborate with many countries, the Artemis Agreement can open up new economic opportunities in Belgium.

"The signing of the Artemis Agreement reflects our continued commitment to sustainable and responsible space, and will strengthen our relationships with international partners," said Lahbib, quoted by Spacenews.

Meanwhile, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson welcomed Belgium which had decided to join the Artemis Agreement. According to Nelson, Belgium's decision shows that various countries are starting to understand the opportunities of the Artemis mission.

“It is clear that countries around the world understand the opportunities that space presents. "As a signatory to the 34th Artemis Treaty, Belgium is showing great leadership in committing to responsible exploration in the 21st century," said Nelson in an official statement.

By joining the Artemis Treaty, Belgium will become part of space exploration. They will establish peaceful relations with countries that join the agreement and will obtain scientific data from exploration on the Moon.

Although 34 countries already support Artemis, NASA plans to receive more support. These state institutions will continue to welcome parties wishing to join the Artemis Accords for the duration of this program.