Portugal Joins Artemis Accords

Portugal has officially become the 60th signatory of the Artemis Accords, a pivotal international agreement fostered by NASA for the peaceful and responsible exploration of celestial bodies. The signing ceremony took place in Lisbon, with key figures including Hugo Costa, executive director of the Portuguese Space Agency, and U.S. Ambassador John J. Arrigo in attendance.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman hailed this event as a significant milestone in what he described as “our generation’s Golden Age of Exploration.” He emphasized the role of the Artemis Accords in fostering international collaboration and innovation in space exploration. The Portuguese Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão, represented Portugal during the formal signing on January 11.

The Artemis Accords, established in 2020 during the first Trump Administration, aim to set common principles to govern the activities of nations on the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies. These principles stress peaceful exploration, transparency, and cooperation among signatory nations and include guidelines on the sharing of scientific data, assistance in emergencies, protection of historic sites, and the non-interference in the activities of other nations.

Ambassador Arrigo remarked on the importance of shared principles for maintaining space as a stable, safe, and opportunistic domain for all nations. With more countries expected to join, the Artemis Accords are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of international space exploration.