We’re going to the moon! This news comes after Canada signed the Artemis Accords between NASA and several other countries to explore the moon and beyond.
Australia, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and the United Arab Emirates also joined the ranks, according to a tweet from NASA.
In a press release on Tuesday, Jim Bridenstine, NASA’s Administrator, said that the accord is a chance for all nations to come together to explore the wonders of the moon.
The project will also set in motion principles that will bring about a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space for all of humanity, the release said.
This is just the tip of the iceberg for what NASA has in store, such as sending the first woman and next man to the moon in 2024 and preparing a human mission to Mars.
What is already being called the broadest and most diverse international human space exploration program in history, the space agency said rules must be followed by all countries to ensure a successful mission.
This ranges from peaceful exploration, conducting all activities in a transparent way, helping out any astronaut in distress, publicly releasing scientific information and more.
Canadian Space Agency president Lisa Campbell weighed in on the news and supports the accords, but believes more rules for exploration need to be set, according to the Canadian Press via CBC.