NASA will host a signing ceremony on Monday, April 20, where Latvia becomes the 60th[2] nation to join the Artemis Accords.

The agreement expands international cooperation for peaceful space exploration, signaling broader participation in the Artemis program that aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send crews to Mars.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Latvia’s Minister for Education and Science Dace Melbārde, and chargé d’affaires Jānis Beķeris are slated to attend the event, underscoring the diplomatic weight the U.S. places on the partnership.[1]

The ceremony will take place at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., at 9 a.m. EDT[1] on Monday, April 20[1]. Media representatives have been invited to cover the signing.

The Accords—originally signed by the United States and nine partner nations—set out a framework for transparency, interoperability, and the peaceful use of lunar resources. Since their launch in 2020, the agreements have grown to include dozens of countries, reflecting a shared vision of responsible space activity.

Latvia’s accession marks the 60th signature and brings a Baltic perspective to the table. The nation has contributed to European Space Agency missions and now seeks to align its national space policy with the principles outlined in the Accords.

By joining, Latvia gains access to technical expertise, data sharing, and collaborative opportunities that could accelerate its own space research initiatives. The move also reinforces the U.S. strategy of building a coalition of like‑minded partners.

NASA’s invitation to the press highlights the public‑interest angle of the event, offering journalists a chance to observe the signing and ask questions about future collaborative projects.[1]

**What this means**: Latvia’s entry into the Artemis Accords expands the coalition of nations committed to peaceful lunar exploration, enhancing collaborative research, technology sharing, and diplomatic ties that could shape the next era of space activity.

“Latvia becomes the 60th nation to sign the Artemis Accords.”

Latvia’s accession broadens the international base of the Artemis program, giving the Baltic state access to shared data and technology while reinforcing U.S. leadership in building a peaceful, cooperative framework for future lunar and deep‑space missions.