NASA Welcomes Latvia as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory  

What Happened

Latvia’s Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbārde, second from right, signs the Artemis Accords, as NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, second from left, U.S.

Why It Matters

Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, left, and chargé d’affaires a.i.

Key Details

• at the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to the United States Jānis Beķeris, right, look on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Mary W.
• Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington.
• NASA/Joel Kowsky The Republic of Latvia signed the Artemis Accords Monday during a ceremony hosted by NASA at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, becoming the 62nd nation to commit to responsible space exploration for all humanity.  “We are proud to welcome Latvia to the Artemis Accords,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
• “Each new signatory strengthens a coalition committed to the transparent and peaceful exploration of space. The accords are the foundation for real missions and real cooperation on the lunar surface, and Latvia’s commitment strengthens our shared vision for this next great era of exploration.” Latvia’s Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbārde signed on behalf of the country.
• Chargé d’affaires a.i.
• at the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to the United States Jānis Beķeris and U.S.
• Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg also participated in the event.  “Today, Latvia aligns with a shared vision for humanity beyond Earth, grounded in international cooperation and the peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration of outer space,” said Melbārde. “By joining the Artemis Accords, we make a clear commitment to these principles.

Timeline

1. Initial update published by source.
2. Key details emerged in follow-up reporting.
3. Further confirmation expected in upcoming official statements.

Background Context

Latvia’s Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbārde, second from right, signs the Artemis Accords, as NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, second from left, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, left, and chargé d’affaires a.i. at the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to the United States Jānis Beķeris, right, look on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. NASA/Joel Kowsky The Republic of Latvia signed the Artemis Accords Monday during a ceremony hosted by NASA at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, becoming the 62nd nation to commit to responsible space exploration for all humanity.  “We are proud to welcome Latvia to the Artemis Accords,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Each new signatory strengthens a coalition committed to the transparent and peaceful exploration of space. The accords are the foundation for real missions and real cooperation on the lunar surface, and Latvia’s commitment strengthens our shared vision for this next great era of exploration.” Latvia’s Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbārde s

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Latvia’s Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbārde, second from right, signs the Artemis Accords, as NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, second from left, U.S.

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Source: NASA – Original Link

Source: NASA