Portugal becomes 60th signatory to Artemis Accords
Date: 2026-01-13
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Portugal
has officially joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 60th country to commit
to the set of principles guiding peaceful and responsible space exploration.
The signing was completed on January 11, 2026, by Portugal’s Secretary of State
for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão, and celebrated the following day
during a ceremony attended by U.S. Ambassador to Portugal John J. Arrigo and
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Central Europe and Southern
Europe Dan Lawton.
The
Artemis Accords, established in 2020 by the United States and seven other
nations, provide practical guidelines to ensure sustainable and cooperative
civil space activity. Portugal’s accession extends its longstanding partnership
with the United States, reflecting its strategic role as a committed NATO Ally
while reaffirming its dedication to international collaboration in space.
The
Department of State and NASA lead U.S. efforts to implement and expand the
Artemis Accords globally, promoting adherence to shared principles that support
safe, sustainable, and peaceful exploration of outer space. Portugal joins 58
other countries in pledging to uphold these standards, marking a significant
milestone in international space diplomacy.
