Diplomatic Impact in the Stars? A Review of the Impact of the Artemis Accords on Global Relationships

This essay examines the near-term and possible long-range impacts of the Artemis Accords on our relationships to our allies and whether the accords amount to a significant narrative shift in international space relations. Per the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Accords “describe a shared vision for principles, grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, to create a safe and transparent environment which facilitates exploration, science, and commercial activities for all of humanity to enjoy.” Many U.S. space allies have already signed, but do these accords truly strengthen our international relationships? Will they create a notable change in how space-faring nations approach contentious space policies in the future? To examine these questions this paper explores and explains the history, purpose, and intent of the Artemis Accords, followed by the international reactions among U.S. allies and adversaries, and an assessment of the current impact of the Accords on existing international space laws and norms

Diplomatic Impact in the Stars? A Review of the Impact of the Artemis Accords on Global Relationships

This essay examines the near-term and possible long-range impacts of the Artemis Accords on our relationships to our allies and whether the accords amount to a significant narrative shift in international space relations. Per the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Accords “describe a shared vision for principles, grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, to create a safe and transparent environment which facilitates exploration, science, and commercial activities for all of humanity to enjoy.” Many U.S. space allies have already signed, but do these accords truly strengthen our international relationships? Will they create a notable change in how space-faring nations approach contentious space policies in the future? To examine these questions this paper explores and explains the history, purpose, and intent of the Artemis Accords, followed by the international reactions among U.S. allies and adversaries, and an assessment of the current impact of the Accords on existing international space laws and norms