Portugal has become the latest nation to sign the Artemis Accords, joining 59 other countries in endorsing a set of principles intended to guide the responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and other destinations beyond Earth.
The agreement was signed on 11 January by Portugal’s Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão, marking the country’s formal commitment to the framework led by NASA in partnership with the US Department of State. A ceremony recognising the signing was held in Lisbon during a bilateral meeting between the United States and Portugal focused on broader cooperation.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said Portugal’s participation strengthens international efforts to establish shared expectations for future activity in space, particularly as interest in lunar exploration continues to grow.
The Artemis Accords were established in 2020, initially with eight founding signatories, in response to increasing government and commercial activity aimed at the Moon. Since then, the number of participating nations has steadily expanded, reflecting broader global interest in setting common standards for civil space exploration.
The accords outline practical principles intended to promote safety, transparency and coordination. These include commitments to peaceful exploration, mutual assistance in emergencies, open sharing of scientific data, non-interference with the activities of others, protection of heritage sites and the development of best practices for sustainable operations.
Portugal’s space sector has been developing in recent years, including the establishment of the Portuguese Space Agency. Hugo Costa, executive director of the agency, said the timing of the signing aligns with a renewed phase of human space exploration, as international partners prepare for a return to the Moon.
US Ambassador to Portugal John J. Arrigo described the signing as an important step in reinforcing space as a stable and cooperative domain, noting the role of shared principles in managing future activity.
With more countries expected to join, the Artemis Accords continue to serve as a voluntary framework aimed at shaping how governments and their partners operate beyond Earth, as lunar missions and related infrastructure move from planning into execution.
Photo: Hugo Costa, executive director for the Portuguese Space Agency, and U.S. Ambassador to Portugal John J. Arrigo pose for a photo on Jan. 12 during a ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, to mark the country’s signing of the Artemis Accords.
Credit: U.S. State Department
