Botswana has joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 68th country to sign the international framework aimed at promoting responsible and peaceful exploration of space.
The United States Department of State on Monday welcomed Botswana’s decision, saying the agreement reinforces the country’s commitment to sustainable civil space activities and cooperation in space exploration.
Botswana’s Minister of Communication and Innovation David Tshere signed the accords on behalf of the country on June 25 during a ceremony at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The signing was witnessed by NASA Deputy Administrator Matthew Anderson and US State Department Senior Advisor for Space Gregory Autry.
The move deepens scientific and technological cooperation between Botswana and the United States, which have maintained partnerships in the space and innovation sectors.
More Read
In March 2025, Botswana launched its first satellite, BOTSAT-1, aboard a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking a milestone in the country’s growing space ambitions.
The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries as a set of principles guiding responsible exploration and use of outer space.
The framework promotes peaceful space activities, transparency, interoperability between space systems, emergency assistance, scientific data sharing and sustainable use of space resources.
More Read
Botswana now joins the United States and 66 other nations in endorsing the principles, as governments increasingly seek cooperation on space exploration, satellite technology and scientific research.
The US Department of State and NASA lead Washington’s engagement with countries participating in the Artemis Accords.
