Uzbekistan becomes 77th signatory of Artemis Accords

The Republic of Uzbekistan has become the 77th signatory of the Artemis Accords, a set of principles guiding civil space exploration. The signing ceremony took place in Samarkand on Monday, October 20, 2026.

Signing and Diplomatic Context

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov signed the agreement on behalf of his country. The event coincided with a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson commented on the addition of Uzbekistan to the coalition. “Uzbekistan joins the Artemis Accords at a pivotal moment,” said Anderson. “President Trump has directed NASA to build a Moon Base and establish an enduring presence on the lunar surface. As we put the principles of the Artemis Accords into practice, we are expanding opportunities for like-minded nations around the world to contribute to humanity’s return to the Moon. Uzbekistan is a welcome addition to this growing coalition.”

Uzbekistan’s Space Development

Uzbekistan has been increasing its engagement with NASA and the international space community through its national space program. The country is working to advance its space industry and participate in global space forums.

Key developments in Uzbekistan’s space sector include:

• Uzbek students are developing and launching the country’s first CubeSat, a small satellite technology demonstration, by 2028.
• In early October, NASA officials met with representatives from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies and Uzcosmos, the country’s space agency.
• These meetings occurred during the 2026 International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Türkiye, where civil space cooperation was discussed.
• Uzbekistan is scheduled to host the annual global space event in 2028.

Principles of the Artemis Accords

The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by NASA and the State Department along with seven other founding nations. The agreement introduced practical principles to enhance safety and coordination among nations exploring the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Signatories commit to:

• Exploring peaceably and transparently.
• Rendering aid to those in need.
• Enabling access to scientific data for all of humanity.
• Ensuring activities do not interfere with those of others.
• Preserving historically significant sites and artifacts.

NASA states that more countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the coming months and years as the agency works to establish a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space.

Why it matters

The expansion of the Artemis Accords to 77 signatories indicates growing international alignment on the rules for lunar exploration. Uzbekistan’s participation reflects its emerging role in the global space sector, particularly with its upcoming hosting of the International Astronautical Congress in 2028 and its development of domestic satellite capabilities.

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Sources

• nasa.gov: NASA Welcomes Uzbekistan as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory - NASA

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.