U.S. Proposes International Lunar Year Initiative to Foster Global Cislunar Collaboration

Objective 2: Expand international S&T cooperation in Cislunar space

Achieving a peaceful, sustainable Cislunar ecosystem will require international cooperation. New Cislunar space operations and capabilities should invite expanded international engagement. For example, the Artemis Accords reinforce a practical set of principles to guide space exploration beyond Earth's orbit.

A number of international partners are actively contributing enduring Lunar infrastructure to NASA missions, while multiple nations have their own Lunar exploration plans. Existing standards and organizational bodies, including those in the United Nations system of committees and specialized agencies, already impact the use of Cislunar space. The U.S. government will continue to work through these bodies, maintaining and promoting with international partners the availability of resources in Cislunar space for the full range of scientific activities.

To advance Lunar science and provide a basis for cooperative growth in Cislunar space, the United States will pursue specific areas in new S&T engagement with other nations, including:

Develop and lead on a proposal for an International Lunar Year

Science is an international enterprise, and scientists have long demonstrated the ability to work across boundaries for the common good. A United States-led initiative to establish an International Lunar Year (ILY) can build upon the historical examples of past International Polar Years (IPY), the International Geophysical Year (IGY), and the International Space Year (ISY). The ILY can amplify U.S. objectives being achieved with the Artemis Accords by fostering developments such as the coordinated use of Lunar data centers, coordinated Moon-based research (such as Lunar geophysical networks, solar science, and far side radio astronomy), and similar joint “leave behind” capabilities. The ILY can also demonstrate how these activities can be carried out responsibly for the benefit and in the interests of all nations, including developing countries, while enhancing transparency and building confidence and cooperation among Moon-faring entities.

Develop technical foundations of best practices for safe Cislunar spaceflight operations

With rapidly increasing spaceflight activities in Cislunar space, the U.S. government will lead the development of best practices for safe and predictable operations in Cislunar space and Lunar orbit. In coordination with standard developing organizations, the U.S. government will support the development of best practices related to debris mitigation, minimizing the hazard of Lunar landing ejecta, end-of-life operations, mishap reporting, collision avoidance, astronaut search and rescue, radio frequency interference, and other events associated with the safety of flight. The U.S. government will also ensure Cislunar activities are supported by existing and future communication capabilities that manage spaceflight safety issues or emergencies. The U.S. government’s role in the development and use of standards will be guided by the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, OMB Circular A-119, and other Federal laws, regulations, and international agreements.