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Canadian Space Agency Signs Artemis Accords

By Doug Messier
Parabolic Arc
October 14, 2020
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Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Canada. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)

LONGUEIUL, Quebec (CSA PR) — The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is working with national and international partners to write the next chapter of space exploration—sending humans to more distant destinations like the Moon and Mars.

Today, the CSA proudly joined other space agencies – NASA, the Australian Space Agency, the Italian Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, the Luxembourg Space Agency, the United Arab Emirates Space Agency, and the UK Space Agency – in signing the Artemis Accords. This commitment is an important first step towards ensuring safe and sustainable exploration beyond Earth’s orbit.

CSA President Lisa Campbell signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Canada.

CSA statement:

Canada is happy to be part of this group of space-faring nations committed to conducting deep-space exploration missions in a safe and sustainable manner and in full compliance with the Outer Space Treaty.

Canada’s space sector is gearing up for missions to the Moon and beyond. We are a proud partner of the Lunar Gateway, to which we are contributing Canadarm3 – a smart robotic system. We are also funding science and technology development in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics and health, through our Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program.

Canada recognizes the exciting opportunities presented by emerging exploration, science and commercial space activities. The set of principles outlined in the Artemis Accords represents an important first step towards ensuring that these missions are conducted in a safe, sustainable and transparent manner.

We will be consulting Canadians on these emerging space activities. Our goal is to determine how best to implement the principles of the Artemis Accords in a way that positions Canadian industry to leverage new opportunities, while ensuring we continue to meet our obligations under the Outer Space Treaty.

At the same time, we will continue working with the international community through the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

The Artemis Accords are an important achievement for safe and sustainable space exploration, but more work is needed to further solidify the framework for deep-space exploration activities, both nationally and internationally.

Canada is excited to be working with the international community as we safely and sustainably expand our exploration beyond Earth’s orbit.

Thank you.

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