Vietnam joins Artemis Accords for space exploration

Vietnam has officially become the 78th signatory of the Artemis Accords, a voluntary international framework designed to promote the peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies.

The signing ceremony took place on October 28, 2026, during Vietnam International Digital Week in Ha Long, Quang Ninh province. Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan signed the Accords, with U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks witnessing the event. This move extends the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the United States and Vietnam into the realm of space technology.

Vietnam aims to utilize space science to enhance national technological capabilities and support sustainable development. Key priorities include increasing autonomy in space data and technology, managing natural resources, protecting the environment, responding to climate change, and disaster mitigation. The nation is also working to develop a space economy ecosystem and strengthen its capacity for space activity governance. Recent developments include the inauguration of the Vietnam National Space Center in Hanoi and the development of domestic satellite capabilities through the LOTUSat program.