Japan and seven other countries have signed the Artemis Accords, a set of basic principles governing areas of space exploration such as the use of resources found on the moon.
Signed Wednesday, the agreement is the first international framework associated with the U.S.-led Artemis Program. It sets basic rules for lunar exploration, including the establishment of "safety zones" where interference with the activities of other countries is not allowed.
Eight countries are taking part in the Artemis Program, which seeks to return astronauts to the moon by 2024. They are Japan, the United States, Canada, Britain, Italy, Australia, Luxembourg and the United Arab Emirates.
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Koichi Hagiuda and State Minister for Science and Technology Policy Shinji Inoue took part in an online signing ceremony held in the early hours of Wednesday. Inoue sent a video message saying, "This will be an important guideline for developing future international rules."
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said, "Artemis will be the broadest and most diverse international human space exploration program in history."
The agreement has 13 sections that allow the possession and use of resources such as water and minerals collected on the moon, under principles of the peaceful use of space. It also lays out rules governing exploration, covering such matters as aiding personnel in distress and sharing scientific data.
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