Philippines joins space race

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippines has joined the ranks of countries pursuing space exploration and use of outer space as signatories to the Artemis Accords.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) signed the accords on the sidelines of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Oct. 27.

The Artemis Accords are a multilateral instrument that outlines a set of principles for the peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration and use of outer space, including the moon, Mars and beyond.

The accords build on existing international space law, such as the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, and encourage cooperation, interoperability, and the sharing of scientific data among nations. 

Through its signing, the Philippines joins the growing community of nations committed to the peaceful, transparent and sustainable exploration of space.  
“By signing the Accords, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to be an active stakeholder in space governance and in the shaping and maintenance of international law. It is crucial to strengthen these principles in the face of emerging technologies and private sector activities that are testing the boundaries of the existing legal regime,” said PhilSA officer-in-charge Gay Jane Perez, who represented the Philippines at the signing ceremony.

“(This) reflects our readiness to stand alongside like-minded nations in advancing transparency, sustainability, and shared benefit beyond our borders and above our atmosphere,” Perez said.
The country’s participation in the Artemis Accords aligns with its commitment to uphold international agreements and domestic laws while advancing international partnerships, promoting peaceful uses of outer space, and ensuring that the benefits of space exploration and Yamang Kalawakan are shared by all. 

This milestone will be highlighted at the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum on Nov. 17 to 25, 2025 in Cebu.