Washington D.C., 21 December 2023 (TDI): On December 20, NASA leadership participated in the White House and chaired the third National Space Council meeting held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington. Vice President Kamala Harris signified the importance of international partnerships and the societal benefits of space exploration.
Vice President Kamala Harris, in a written statement, said, “The US led the development of Artemis Accords, which establishes clear norms for civil exploration.” In addition, she said, “12 new nations have signed on to the Accords since the last meeting one year ago. The total signatories stand at 33.”
Moreover, Secretary of State Antony Blinken also joined the meeting. In a written statement, the Secretary said, “We released our first-ever Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy. The VP and leaders of Artemis Accords countries seek to promote International partnerships and a shared vision of peace and cooperation.
The Framework establishes a private sector space activities steering group led by the Secretaries of Commerce and Transportation. It will develop and promote best practices and information-sharing protocols to address core US government interests and shared novel space activities.
Also Read: NASA’s Artemis II mission introduces 4 astronauts on an epic journey
According to NASA reports, it will deepen its partnership with USAID by advancing data collection for enhanced air quality. NASA highlighted the April 2023 release of the initial Moon to Mars architecture, elements needed for long-term, human-led scientific discovery.
Deputy Administrator of NASA Pam Melroy said, “Together, we will strategically advance science, boost our national stance, and inspire a new generation to want to explore the universe.”
Vice President Kamala Harris announced that the US will land an international astronaut on the surface of the moon, by the end of the decade as part of the Artemis Program.Lastly, NASA noted that it is in conversation with international space agencies to identify future partnership opportunities.
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