Uzbekistan signs the Artemis Accords on space exploration
Uzbekistan joined the US-led Artemis Accords in Samarkand on 19 October, becoming the 77th signatory; the document was signed by Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov.
Uzbekistan joined the US-led Artemis Accords in Samarkand on 19 October 2026. The document was signed on Uzbekistan's behalf by Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, in the presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The signing took place during the Secretary of State's visit to Samarkand and the C5+1 dialogue.
Uzbekistan the 77th signatory
With this, Uzbekistan became the 77th country to sign the Artemis Accords. It is the only Central Asian country to have signed them.
What the Artemis Accords are
The Artemis Accords are a set of practical principles for the peaceful, civil exploration and use of the Moon, Mars, comets and asteroids. They are non-binding and were first signed in 2020 by the United States and seven other founding nations, under the leadership of NASA and the State Department.
Why it matters
Officials said that joining the initiative opens new opportunities for Uzbekistan to expand cooperation with NASA and the space agencies of other participating countries.
