Mauritius Becomes 70th Nation to Sign the Artemis Accords, Because Space Needs More Island Flavor

WASHINGTON - The island nation of Mauritius signed the Artemis Accords on July 17, becoming the 70th country to do so in less than six years. Because nothing says 'space exploration' like a small island in the Indian Ocean wanting to keep an eye on its coastlines from orbit.

In a ceremony in the Mauritian city of Ébène, Navindsing Jugmohunsing of the country’s Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research signed the accords, with U.S. State Department officials attending and NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson delivering remarks by video. Nothing says 'historic moment' like a pre-recorded video.

“The accession of Mauritius to the Artemis Accords marks a defining chapter in our new space journey,” Jugmohunsing said. “As a small island developing state in the Indian Ocean, we are committed to ensuring that space serves humanity by protecting our oceans and coastlines and amplifying the voices of nations like ours.” Because if there's one thing space is known for, it's amplifying voices from small islands.

“Mauritius stands ready to help shape the future of space governance while unlocking new opportunities for innovation and partnership,” he added, presumably while also keeping an eye out for asteroids that might want to crash their beach party.

Mauritius signed the Artemis Accords one day after Serbia did so at NASA Headquarters, making it the 70th country overall and the 11th this year. The Accords outline best practices in space exploration, including deconfliction of space activities, utilization of space resources, and exchange of scientific data. NASA officials also plan to use them to coordinate international cooperation in lunar exploration, like building a moon base. Because why stop at running out of room on Earth?

“Together, we are creating the foundation for future exploration while ensuring that space remains peaceful, accessible and beneficial for all,” Anderson said. “That work requires capable partners and a shared commitment to responsible exploration.” Translation: please don't litter on the moon.

NASA and the State Department rolled out the Artemis Accords in 2020, with seven nations joining the U.S. as original signatories. “Going from seven nations joining the U.S. in signing the Accords in 2020 to 70 signatories in 2026 is a huge accomplishment,” Mike Gold, president of Redwire Space and a former NASA associate administrator who coordinated the Accords, told SpaceNews. “The success of the Accords demonstrates the inherent optimism and hope that the space program represents not only in America but around the world.” Or at least in 70 countries, give or take a few territorial disputes.

Three of the signatories - Senegal, Serbia and Thailand - had previously joined the Chinese-led International Lunar Research Station to develop a lunar base. Because why pick just one space club when you can join two?

“Through the Artemis Accords, we’re not just launching our astronauts, we’re launching our values to the moon,” Gold said, “which is why every ILRS nation, such as Serbia, that commits to the principles of the Artemis Accords is a special victory for a peaceful and prosperous future in space.” And also a victory for not having to choose sides in the great lunar real estate race.