NASA has welcomed Finland as the latest signatory of the Artemis Accords, marking the 53rd nation to commit to the safe and responsible exploration of space for the benefit of humanity.
The signing took place on January 21, 2025, during the Winter Satellite Workshop 2025 at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland.
Jim Free, NASA’s Associate Administrator, expressed his support for Finland’s decision, stating in pre-recorded remarks:
“Today, Finland is joining a community of nations that want to share scientific data freely, operate safely, and preserve the space environment for the Artemis Generation.”
He highlighted Finland’s long history in space exploration, particularly its achievements in science, navigation, and Earth observation, and stressed the importance of international collaboration in advancing space exploration.
Wille Rydman, Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the country. Rydman noted that Finland has been a part of the global space exploration community for decades, with Finnish companies and research institutions contributing innovations and technologies. He further emphasized that the signing aligns with Finland’s updated space strategy, which focuses on international cooperation and strengthening partnerships with the United States and other allies. Rydman expressed optimism that this collaboration will create significant opportunities for Finland’s space sector in the new era of space exploration and the Artemis program.
Finland’s participation in the Artemis Accords is part of a long-standing relationship between NASA and Finland. Recently, Finland contributed to NASA’s Artemis mission through the delivery of a lunar communications system by Finnish company Nokia. This system, developed through Nokia of America, is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and aims to enhance lunar exploration by improving communications on the Moon’s surface.
The Artemis Accords, initially established in 2020 by the United States and seven other nations, set forth principles for the peaceful and cooperative use of space. These principles are grounded in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and other space agreements. Signatories agree to share scientific data, promote safe space operations, and preserve the space environment for future generations.
