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USA and Luxembourg sign new framework agreement to cooperate in the exploration of space resources for peaceful purposes
On the occasion of his visit to Luxembourg, the head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Bill Nelson, met with the Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, to discuss in greater detail collaboration between the USA and Luxembourg in the space sector. During this meeting, they signed a new ten-year framework agreement between the governments of the two countries, aimed at strengthening their cooperation in the exploration and use of space resources for peaceful purposes.
Gallery 1
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(de g. à dr.) Lex Delles, ministre de l’Économie, des PME, de l’Énergie et du Tourisme ; Bill Nelson, représentant de la délégation présidentielle, chef de l’Administration nationale de l’aéronautique et de l’espace NASA ; Nill Nelson Jr., fils de Bill Nelson
© SIP / Claude Piscitelli
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(de g. à dr.) Bill nelson Jr, fils de Bill Nelson ; Lex Delles, ministre de l’Économie, des PME, de l’Énergie et du Tourisme ; Bill Nelson, représentant de la délégation présidentielle, chef de l’Administration nationale de l’aéronautique et de l’espace NASA
© SIP / Claude Piscitelli
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(de g. à dr.) Lex Delles, ministre de l’Économie, des PME, de l’Énergie et du Tourisme ; Bill Nelson, représentant de la délégation présidentielle, chef de l’Administration nationale de l’aéronautique et de l’espace NASA
© SIP / Claude Piscitelli
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(de g. à dr.) Lex Delles, ministre de l’Économie, des PME, de l’Énergie et du Tourisme ; Bill Nelson, représentant de la délégation présidentielle, chef de l’Administration nationale de l’aéronautique et de l’espace NASA
© SIP / Claude Piscitelli
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(de g. à dr.) Lex Delles, ministre de l’Économie, des PME, de l’Énergie et du Tourisme ; Bill Nelson, représentant de la délégation présidentielle, chef de l’Administration nationale de l’aéronautique et de l’espace NASA
© SIP / Claude Piscitelli
This framework agreement provides for the establishment of a legal framework to facilitate joint scientific and technological projects, in a spirit of transparency and for the benefit of mankind. In particular, the parties have agreed to develop cooperative programs, on Earth or in space, which may include a variety of activities such as the exchange of scientific data or personnel, terrestrial and space applications, research facilities, scientific instruments, education and public awareness activities, or participation in joint workshops or meetings. These activities will be carried out by NASA on the US side, and by the Ministry of Economy and the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) on the Luxembourg side.
It follows on from the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2019, which stipulated that NASA and LSA intended to collaborate on civil space activities related to human exploration and robotics, space and Earth sciences, and space technology.
This framework agreement is also in line with the Artemis Agreements. The USA and Luxembourg were among the first 8 signatories of the Artemis Agreements, which now number 50. These agreements provide a common set of principles to improve the governance of civil exploration and use of outer space.
Following the meeting, Lex Delles declared: "This agreement reflects our ambition to promote innovation and contribute to the sustainable development of space activities for the benefit of all mankind. Its signature marks a milestone in cooperation between Luxembourg and the United States in the space sector. It reinforces our shared commitment to the peaceful and responsible exploration of space."
Bill Nelson added: "This historic agreement will further strengthen cooperation between the United States and Luxembourg in the field of space exploration and technology."
Press release by the Ministry of the Economy / Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA)