By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
United States has welcomed the Sultanate of Oman’s decision to join the Artemis
Accords, marking a significant step in the expansion of international
cooperation in peaceful and responsible space exploration. With the signing,
Oman becomes the 61st country to accede to the Accords.
Oman
formally signed the Artemis Accords on January 26, 2026, with the agreement
executed by the country’s Minister of Transportation, Communication, and
Information Technology, Said al-Maawal. The signing ceremony took place on the
margins of the Middle East Space Conference and the U.S.–Oman Strategic
Dialogue held in Muscat. The event was witnessed by U.S. Ambassador to Oman Ana
Escrogima and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator Casey Swails.
The
U.S. Department of State described Oman’s accession as a reflection of the
deepening partnership between Washington and Muscat in the areas of space,
science, and emerging technologies. It also underscored Oman’s commitment to
responsible behavior in outer space and the peaceful use of space for the
benefit of humanity.
The
Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by the United States and seven partner
countries to provide a practical framework of principles guiding civil space
exploration. These principles promote transparency, interoperability,
sustainability, and the responsible use of space resources. With Oman’s
accession, the Accords now include the United States and 59 other partner
nations working collectively to advance sustainable and cooperative space
activities.
The
U.S. Department of State and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
continue to lead international outreach and implementation efforts related to
the Artemis Accords, as participation continues to grow across regions.
