Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Ireland has officially joined the Artemis Accords as the 66th signatory, committing to the principles of peaceful and responsible space exploration. The signing ceremony was held at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., with Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, Peter Burke, signing on behalf of the country.
Ireland joins a growing international community that includes all 23 European Space Agency (ESA) member states, strengthening its partnership with NASA and its longstanding role within ESA. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the significance of Ireland’s membership as humanity prepares for sustained lunar missions beyond Artemis II.
Established in 2020 by NASA and the U.S. Department of State, the Artemis Accords set practical principles to improve safety, coordination, and transparency for nations and private entities exploring the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies. By signing, Ireland commits to peaceful exploration, aiding those in distress, sharing scientific data broadly, preventing interference with others’ activities, and preserving significant sites and artifacts in space.
The ceremony included Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, representatives from the U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh. Ireland’s involvement supports a broader multinational effort to explore space cooperatively and safely for the benefit of all humanity.