Portugal has become the 60th country to sign the Artemis Accords, an international agreement focused on peaceful and responsible space exploration. The signing took place on January 11, with Helena Canhão, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, representing the Portuguese government.
A ceremony marking this event was held on January 12 during the U.S.-Portugal Standing Bilateral Commission. U.S. Ambassador to Portugal John J. Arrigo and Dan Lawton, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Central Europe and Southern Europe, attended the ceremony.
The Department of State noted that Portugal is a committed NATO ally and described its participation in the Artemis Accords as an extension of its close partnership with the United States into outer space.
The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by the United States along with seven other countries to provide practical principles for responsible behavior in space exploration. Since then, more nations have joined, bringing the total number of signatories to sixty. The Department of State and NASA lead U.S. efforts related to outreach and implementation of these accords.
"The Department of State congratulates Portugal on joining the Artemis Accords. Portugal is the 60th country to sign the Accords to date, pledging its commitment to peaceful space exploration and use," according to a statement from the Department.
For additional information about participating countries or details about the agreement itself, resources are available at Artemis Accords.
