The Artemis Accords represent less a framework for peaceful space exploration and more a mechanism for legitimising unilateral resource appropriation under the guise of multilatera

GS3 Science & Technology
The Artemis Accords represent less a framework for peaceful space exploration and more a mechanism for legitimising unilateral resource appropriation under the guise of multilateralism. Critically analyse this claim in the context of existing space law and India's strategic interests.

Critically analyze

  • 15 marks
  • 8 min
  • 250 words
  • Hard

The Hindu

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INTRODUCTION

  • The Artemis Accords (2020) are a set of U.S.-led bilateral agreements, not a UN-negotiated multilateral treaty, aiming to govern civil space exploration.
  • The claim questions whether they promote cooperative norms or legitimise unilateral resource appropriation, especially in light of existing space law.

NORMATIVE FRAMEWORK VS LEGAL LIMITATIONS

  • The Accords reiterate principles of peaceful use, transparency, interoperability, and deconfliction, aligning with the Outer Space Treaty (OST), 1967.
  • However, they are non-binding political commitments, lacking enforcement mechanisms.
  • Exclusion of key actors like China and Russia weakens universality, creating a bloc-based space order.

RESOURCE UTILISATION AND “SAFETY ZONES”

  • The Accords permit space resource extraction, drawing legitimacy from U.S. domestic laws (e.g., Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act, 2015).
  • The concept of “safety zones” to avoid interference may evolve into de facto exclusion zones, enabling first-mover advantage.
  • This risks undermining the “common heritage of mankind” principle (Moon Agreement, 1979), which the Accords sidestep.

CRITIQUE OF UNILATERALISM CLAIM

  • While framed as multilateral, the Accords are asymmetrical, with the U.S. setting norms and partners aligning.
  • Yet, they also address a regulatory vacuum, where existing treaties are silent on commercial exploitation.
  • Thus, they are both enabling cooperation and normalising selective rule-making.

INDIA’S STRATEGIC INTERESTS

  • India’s signing (2023) enhances NASA-ISRO collaboration, Artemis participation, and iCET synergies.
  • It provides technological access and geopolitical alignment in a competitive space environment.
  • However, it creates tension with India’s traditional support for equitable, UN-based multilateral governance.

EVALUATION

  • The Accords are better than normative ambiguity, fostering coordination and private investment.
  • However, they cannot substitute treaty-based consensus, and risk fragmenting global space governance.

CONCLUSION

  • The Artemis Accords reflect a hybrid reality—cooperative in form, strategic in substance.
  • India should adopt a bridge role, leveraging benefits while advocating inclusive rule-making through COPUOS and reforms in space law to balance equity and innovation.