- Janet Petro and Vanessa Wyche led NASA’s delegation at the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs.
- Petro participated in a fireside chat discussing NASA’s priorities and partnerships.
- Bangladesh became the 54th nation to sign the Artemis Accords on April 8, 2025.
- The Artemis Accords aim to ensure safe, sustainable, and transparent space exploration.
- NASA’s participation in the symposium included panels, exhibits, and expert discussions.
NASA’s Vision at the 40th Space Symposium
NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro and acting Associate Administrator Vanessa Wyche led the agency’s delegation at the 40th Space Symposium, held from April 7 to April 10, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This annual event brought together space industry leaders, policymakers, and international representatives to discuss the future of space exploration and collaboration.
Janet Petro’s Fireside Chat
On April 8, 2025, Janet Petro joined Heather Pringle, Chief Executive Officer of the Space Foundation, for a fireside chat. This session focused on NASA’s current priorities, including advancing lunar exploration through the Artemis program and fostering international partnerships. Petro emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable and peaceful space exploration.
“NASA’s mission is not just about reaching new frontiers but doing so responsibly and inclusively,” Petro remarked during the discussion. She highlighted NASA’s commitment to transparency and the sharing of scientific data, principles that are foundational to the Artemis Accords.
Bangladesh Joins the Artemis Accords
In a significant development coinciding with the symposium, Bangladesh became the 54th nation to sign the Artemis Accords on April 8, 2025. The signing ceremony took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with Ashraf Uddin, the country’s Secretary of Defense, representing Bangladesh. Charge d’Affaires Tracey Jacobson of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka also participated in the event.
Janet Petro, in a pre-recorded message, welcomed Bangladesh’s commitment to the accords. “Bangladesh affirms its role in shaping the future of space exploration. This is about ensuring that our journey to the Moon – and beyond – is peaceful, sustainable, and transparent,” Petro stated. The Artemis Accords, established in 2020, outline principles for safe and responsible space exploration, grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other international agreements.
NASA’s Participation at the Symposium
Beyond Petro’s fireside chat, NASA had a significant presence at the symposium. Nicola Fox, Associate Administrator of the Science Mission Directorate, participated in a one-on-one discussion about NASA’s scientific missions. Additionally, Lori Glaze, Acting Associate Administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, joined a panel on lunar science and exploration.
NASA’s exhibit space featured brief talks by subject matter experts, providing attendees with insights into the agency’s ongoing missions and projects. Topics ranged from lunar exploration to Earth observation and advancements in space technology. Updates and photos from the event were shared on NASA’s @NASAExhibit account on X (formerly Twitter).
Artemis Accords: A Growing Global Initiative
The Artemis Accords continue to gain traction globally, with Bangladesh’s signing marking a milestone in the initiative’s expansion. Established by NASA and the U.S. Department of State in 2020, the accords aim to foster international cooperation in space exploration. The principles include transparency, interoperability, and the peaceful use of space.
Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus expressed optimism about the country’s involvement. “By signing the accords, Bangladesh builds upon an important foundation for the open, responsible, and peaceful exploration of space,” Yunus said. The nation’s participation underscores the growing recognition of space exploration as a global endeavor.
As NASA continues to lead efforts in space exploration, the agency’s focus on collaboration and sustainability remains central. The 40th Space Symposium highlighted the importance of partnerships, both domestic and international, in achieving ambitious goals such as returning humans to the Moon and preparing for future missions to Mars. Janet Petro’s leadership and the growing list of Artemis Accords signatories signal a promising future for space exploration. By fostering cooperation and adhering to shared principles, NASA and its partners are paving the way for a new era of discovery and innovation.