Vietnam Signs Artemis Accords, Joining U.S.-Led Space Exploration Effort
Vietnam becomes the 78th signatory to the Artemis Accords, with the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam attending the signing ceremony.
Key points
- Vietnam is the 78th nation to sign the Artemis Accords.
- Minister of Science and Technology Vũ Hải Quân signed the document on October 28, 2026.
- The signing took place in Ha Long, during Vietnam International Digital Week.
- The Accords were created in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries.
Vietnam signed the Artemis Accords on October 28, 2026, becoming the 78th country to adopt this framework of principles for responsible space exploration. According to the U.S. Department of State, Vietnam's Minister of Science and Technology, Vũ Hải Quân, signed on behalf of his country. The ceremony took place in Ha Long, on the margins of Vietnam International Digital Week, and was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks.
The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries to provide practical principles guiding space exploration. Signatories commit to exploring peacefully and transparently, rendering aid to those in need, sharing scientific data, and preserving sites and artifacts of historical significance.
NASA said Vietnam has been advancing its own space program, with projects in satellite innovation, land-use research, and radar-based Earth observation. According to the agency, NASA partnered earlier this year with the Vietnamese-German University to support the Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, which measures surface-soil water worldwide. Vietnam also inaugurated its National Space Center in Hanoi and is developing domestic satellites through the LOTUSat program.
During the ceremony, NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson said in recorded remarks: "We've aligned on the principles," adding that the two sides can now build on that foundation. According to the State Department, Vietnam's accession also extends the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has more than 30 years of cooperation spanning defense, economics, law enforcement, and technology.