Senegal joins space pact shaping the next era of Moon missions

The Artemis Accords set out basic principles for countries involved in space exploration. These include transparency, sharing scientific data and using space for peaceful purposes. © RFI/NASA

Senegal doesn’t have astronauts or a Moon mission – but it now has a seat at the table where the future of space is being shaped. It has joined the Artemis Accords, a US-led agreement laying down the rules for exploring the Moon and beyond – and it’s only the fourth African country to sign.

The signing took place on 25 July at Nasa headquarters in Washington. Senegal became the 54th country to join the initiative, which promotes peaceful cooperation in space.