The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) and Open Lunar Foundation have formalised their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reflecting the organisations shared objective to strengthen international dialogue on the future of lunar activities.
The agreement underscores a joint commitment to advancing cooperation and understanding at the intersection of space policy, law, economics and governance, particularly in the rapidly evolving landscape of lunar exploration and utilisation.
The partnership builds on an already active and impactful collaboration between the two organisations. Most recently, ESPI and Open Lunar Foundation co-hosted a lunar tabletop exercise for UN COPUOS diplomats. Bringing together participants from Luxembourg, Switzerland, South Korea, Poland, Chile, the Maldives, the United Kingdom, the United States, as well as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the exercise challenged policymakers to collaboratively design lunar infrastructure, manage operations in close proximity, and deconflict activities across scientific, commercial, and national missions. Through this interactive setting, participants also worked to build coalitions and explore pathways towards the development of shared lunar norms.
Under the MoU framework, ESPI and Open Lunar Foundation will further expand their cooperation across a range of initiatives, including joint workshops, curated programmes, reciprocal participation in events, and contributions to each other’s publications and outreach activities.
“Strong international partnerships are essential as humanity enters a new era of lunar activity. Through our collaboration with ESPI, we are bringing together diverse perspectives to explore how cooperation, coordination, and shared stewardship can support a peaceful and sustainable future on the Moon. We are excited to deepen this partnership and continue advancing practical dialogue on the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
“ESPI's partnership with Open Lunar Foundation supports work on policy and coordination issues critical to the success of future lunar activity, contributing to broader efforts toward a sustained and sustainable lunar presence."
About Open Lunar Foundation
Open Lunar Foundation, established in 2018, is an independent, nonprofit organisation working to support the peaceful, sustainable, and cooperative development of the Moon. It serves as a neutral platform for dialogue, research, and coordination across governments, industry, academia, and civil society. Open Lunar advances global awareness of strategic lunar issues and contributes analysis, tools, and practical frameworks to help decision-makers and mission operators steward the Moon as a shared domain for the benefit of all humanity.
About ESPI
The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), established in 2003 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is Europe’s independent think-tank for space. Working in non-profit capacity, ESPI is a Quasi-International Organisation with the purpose of promoting European space policy at the global level, provide independent analyses, proposals and recommendations to European decision-makers and raise awareness on strategic issues.
