Washington Launches 'Space Catalyst' Initiative to Boost Civil and Commercial Space Cooperation with Artemis Accords Signatories

Washington, Sept 10 (KUNA) -- The U.S. Department of State announced on Thursday the launch of the “Space Catalyst” initiative to enhance civil and commercial space cooperation with countries that are signatories to the Artemis Accords, signed in 2022 to promote cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies.

In a fact sheet, the ministry stated that its “pioneering” initiative, launched today during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Peru, “aims to deepen civil and commercial space cooperation between the United States and the signatory countries of the Artemis Accords.”

It explained that this partnership seeks to “create opportunities for foreign governments, industry sectors, space agencies, and research institutions to benefit from the vibrant U.S. space ecosystem through commercial partnerships and scientific cooperation, while ensuring the safe, peaceful, and transparent use of outer space for the benefit of all humanity.”

The ministry noted that, under this partnership, “the State Department is working with Congress to launch a $6.5 million project to enhance connectivity in rural areas, providing satellite internet service to rural schools, small businesses, community centers, and public institutions in southern Peru.”

It added that this project “is among the first partnership initiatives that will support, subject to funding availability, the efforts of priority countries to integrate space-related technologies and services into their economies.”

It further stated that the Space Catalyst partnership “will primarily enhance civil and commercial space cooperation through three mechanisms: diplomatic engagement, industry sector involvement, and the use of foreign assistance (subject to funding availability).” (End) R.R. / M.M. J.