UNITED STATES WELCOMES NEW ZEALAND’S SIGNING OF MULTILATERAL SPACE AGREEMENT

U.S. Chargé d'Affaires (Acting Ambassador) Kevin Covert, today joined NASA Administrator, Senator Bill Nelson, in welcoming New Zealand’s formal signing of the Artemis Accords.
NASA Administrator Nelson says the United States is delighted to acknowledge the historic signing of the Artemis Accords by the New Zealand Space Agency, led by Dr. Peter Crabtree. Senator Nelson also acknowledged the support of New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, and Economic Development Minister, Stuart Nash.
“New Zealand along with seven other nations helped craft the principles espoused in the Artemis Accords. These simple, universal principles will enable the next generation of international partnerships for the exploration of the Moon and beyond,” says Senator Nelson. “The Artemis Accords belong to our partners as much as they do to the U.S., and we thank New Zealand for its commitment to establishing peaceful norms of behavior in space.”
“Outer space is getting crowded. As more countries establish a presence in outer space, via research stations, satellites, or even rocket launches, these Accords provide a set of principles to create a safe and transparent environment that inspires exploration, science, and commercial activities. The Accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. They help secure peaceful and friendly cooperation as we make exciting plans including landing the first woman and first person of color on the Moon and forwarding human exploration of Mars,” says Chargé d'Affaires Covert.
“The United States continues to make considerable investment in New Zealand’s billion dollar space industry and it is in this same spirit of connection, cooperation, and exploration that we are thrilled to see New Zealand joining the Artemis Accords. New Zealand’s participation in the Accords is just a stepping stone for the incredible ingenuity and innovation in this country to push humanity further than it’s ever been before,” adds Mr. Covert.