NASA and the White House have announced an agreement regarding the participation of an international astronaut in a lunar mission by the end of this decade. The nationality of the astronaut was not mentioned, but NASA has confirmed that the crew composition will be decided closer to the planned lunar landings.
This collaboration aligns with NASA’s longstanding practice of involving international astronauts in space missions. Currently, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is expected to join a three-person crew of American astronauts on a mission around the Moon. However, it will still be several years before an astronaut actually sets foot on the lunar surface, estimated to be around 2027.
Including international partners in future lunar missions is highly valued by NASA. Hansen has emphasized the importance of global cooperation, stating that it is not only appreciated but also urgently needed in today’s world.
NASA’s emphasis on international collaboration is not new, as demonstrated by the creation of the Artemis Accords in 2020. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, these accords aim to promote responsible behavior in space, not only on the Moon but throughout the cosmos. Representatives from 33 countries that signed the accords were slated to participate in the National Space Council meeting.
It is worth noting that Russia and China have not yet joined the Artemis Accords, despite being the only other countries, alongside the U.S., to have sent their citizens into orbit. Russia remains a partner of NASA on the International Space Station, and in the past, both countries have cooperated in astronaut exchanges during the shuttle program.
In addition to promoting international cooperation, Vice President Harris has also announced new policies addressing other pressing issues related to space exploration. These policies include measures to ensure the safe and sustainable use of space, especially in light of the increasing number of private companies and countries venturing into space. The U.S. aims to tackle problems such as the climate crisis and the growing issue of space debris, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for an end to destructive tests that contribute to the accumulation of potentially hazardous debris in orbit.
Source: NASA.gov
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