Thailand has officially joined NASA’s Artemis Accords, becoming the 51st nation to commit to a safe, open, and responsible exploration of space for the benefit of humanity. The signing ceremony took place in Bangkok on Monday.

Pakorn Apaphant, the executive director of Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Thailand. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivered closing remarks via a pre-recorded video message, emphasising the significance of this milestone in global cooperation for space exploration.

“Thailand’s commitment to the Artemis Accords will enhance the country’s engagement with NASA and the international community,” Nelson said, adding: “By signing the accords, Thailand builds upon an important foundation and shows great leadership for the open, responsible and peaceful exploration of space.”

What Are The Artemis Accords?

The Artemis Accords were introduced in 2020 by the United States, spearheaded by NASA and the US Department of State, along with seven founding nations. Built on principles established by the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and other key agreements — including the Registration Convention and the Rescue and Return Agreement — the accords aim to promote transparency, peaceful use of space, and scientific collaboration among nations.

Key principles of the Artemis Accords include peaceful and responsible exploration of space, public release of scientific data, and international collaboration to ensure the safety and sustainability of space activities.

Who Were the First 50 Nations To Sign Artemis Accords?

Since the introduction of the Artemis Accords in 2020, as many as 51 nations have so far embraced this collaborative framework, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in space exploration. The initial seven signatories, including the United States, set the stage for a growing coalition that now spans the globe. 

When India became a signatory in 2023, it was the 27th nation to join the group. In December 2024, Austria became the 50th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a milestone celebrated at the NASA Headquarters. 

Here are the 51 signatories so far: 

1. Australia: October 13, 20202. Canada: October 13, 20203. Italy: October 13, 20204. Japan: October 13, 20205. Luxembourg: October 13, 2020  6 United Arab Emirates: October 13, 20207. United Kingdom: October 13, 20208. United States: October 13, 20209. Ukraine: November 12, 202010. South Korea: May 24, 202111. New Zealand: May 31, 202112. Brazil: June 15, 202113. Poland: October 26, 202114. Mexico: December 20, 202115. Israel: January 26, 202216. Romania: March 1, 202217. Bahrain: March 2, 202218. Singapore: March 28, 202219. Colombia: May10, 202220. France: June 7, 202221. Saudi Arabia: July 14, 202222. Nigeria: December 13, 202223. Rwanda: December 13, 202224. Czech Republic: May 3, 2023 25. Spain: May 30, 202326. Ecuador: June 21, 202327. India: June 21, 202328. Argentina: July 27, 202329. Germany: September 24, 202330. Iceland: October 10, 202331. Netherlands: November 1, 202332. Bulgaria: November 9, 202333. Angola: November 30, 202334. Belgium: January 23, 202435. Greece: February 9, 202436. Uruguay: February 15, 202437. Switzerland: April 15, 202438. Sweden: April 16, 202439. Slovenia: May 19, 202440. Lithuania: May 15, 202441. Peru: May 30, 202442. Slovakia: May 30, 202443. Armenia: June 12, 202444. Dominican Republic: October 4, 2024 45. Estonia: October 13, 202446. Cyprus: October 23, 202447. Chile: October 25, 202448. Denmark: November 13, 202449. Panama: December 11, 202450. Austria: December 11, 202451. Thailand: December 16, 2024