Rwanda is the only country in East Africa which is a signatory of the global Artemis Accords for deep space exploration.
On the other hand, Angola and Rwanda happen to be the only two African nationals that are part of the now 49 countries that are signatories of the Artemis Accords.
Meanwhile Panama has just become the 49th signatory of the Artemis Accords, or as described, ‘United for peaceful exploration of deep space!’
The signing ceremony was held at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) headquarters in Washington DC, on December 11, 2024.
Ambassador José Miguel Alemán Healy signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the Government of Panama and in the presence of State Department Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Tony Fernandes and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
An official dispatch from the U.S Department of States conveyed the United States appreciation of the move and welcomed Panama to the Artemis Accords.
The Panama and United States bilateral relationship has flourished for more than 100 years, enhanced through what is being described as enduring economic, security, and cultural ties.
“The United States is proud to continue our strong partnership, working together to bolster the global economy, strengthen democratic institutions, and support innovation and education,” says the U.S official statement.
From 1966 to 1973, the Panama Canal played a pivotal role in advancing space exploration by facilitating the transit of oversized NASA components destined for the International Space Station.
“That cooperation continues today, and a NASA exhibit in January 2025 at Panama’s most visited museum, the Biomuseo, will highlight the United States achievements in space and their benefits for all humankind.”
The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries.
They set out a practical set of principles to guide responsible space exploration.
Panama joins the United States and 47 other nations including Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece and Iceland.
Other countries that have inked the accord are India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay.
All was done in affirming the Accords’ principles for sustainable civil space activity. The Department of State and NASA lead the United States’ outreach and implementation of the Accords.