Uzbekistan and the United States have signed the Artemis Accords, an international framework supporting the peaceful and responsible exploration of space. The document was signed in Samarkand on October 19, 2026, by Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Uzbekistan became the 77th country to join the accords.
What Are the Artemis Accords?
Established in 2020 by NASA in coordination with the US Department of State and international partners, the Artemis Accords set out principles for the safe, transparent and peaceful exploration of the Moon and other celestial bodies.
The framework promotes international cooperation, transparency, the sharing of scientific information, assistance during emergencies and the mitigation of orbital debris. It also supports responsible practices for future activities involving the Moon, Mars, comets and asteroids.
The accords establish common principles for participating countries. However, signing the document does not automatically mean that Uzbekistan will participate directly in NASA missions or receive specific space technologies.
Uzbekistan–US Space Cooperation
Joining the Artemis Accords could provide Uzbekistan with additional opportunities to develop international partnerships in space research and related scientific fields. The framework offers a basis for cooperation on responsible space exploration and the exchange of relevant scientific information.
Potential areas of cooperation include specialist training, scientific knowledge exchange and the development of expertise in space technologies. However, no specific training programme, technology-transfer agreement, funding package or implementation timetable was detailed in the available announcement.
The signing took place during the first meeting of the Uzbekistan–US Dialogue on Expanded Strategic Partnership in Samarkand. The broader discussions also covered trade, investment, energy, critical minerals, advanced technologies, education and security.
Opportunities for Uzbekistan’s Space Sector
Joining the Artemis Accords gives Uzbekistan an opportunity to strengthen its links with countries and organisations involved in international space exploration. It could also support future discussions on scientific cooperation, technical expertise and participation in relevant international initiatives.
Space technologies have practical applications well beyond lunar and planetary exploration. Satellite data and Earth observation can support disaster monitoring, agriculture, environmental research and the assessment of changes to the Earth’s surface.
Participation in the accords could create additional opportunities for international cooperation in these areas. The practical impact, however, will depend on future programmes, specific partnerships and Uzbekistan’s scientific and technical capabilities.
