Portugal became the 60th country to join the Artemis Accords. The signing ceremony took place on January 11 in Lisbon.
The Artemis Accords are a series of bilateral agreements between the US government and other countries based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. They define the basic principles of cooperation to be followed in outer space and on various bodies of the Solar System. The agreements cover a wide range of issues, from the exchange of scientific data to the use of space resources and the coordination of activities.
Initially, eight countries signed the Artemis Accords (in 2020). Since then, their number has been steadily growing. Currently, the signatories to the Agreements include the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, India, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, and almost all European countries, including Ukraine.
Portugal has now joined this list. The signing ceremony took place on January 11 in Lisbon. On behalf of Portugal, it was signed by Helena Canhão, Secretary of State for Science and Innovation.
“Portugal is joining a group of countries that are laying the foundation for safe, transparent, and prosperous activities in space,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “This is the golden age of exploration for our generation. Together, we are driving innovation, fostering international cooperation, and unlocking the secrets of the Universe.”
In turn, Hugo Costa, executive director of the newly created Portuguese Space Agency, said the following:
“2026 is the year when humans will return to the Moon. It will mark the beginning of a new era of space exploration, reminiscent of Portuguese explorers of the past, such as Magellan and his circumnavigation of our planet.”
After Portugal joined, the number of countries that signed the Artemis Accords went up to 60. But this isn’t the only “lunar coalition.” China is also trying to get its own space allies together to counter the US. This is happening under the Agreement on Participation in the International Lunar Research Station Project.
So far, China’s success in creating its lunar coalition has been more modest. At present, 13 countries have joined it. In addition to China itself, these are Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Serbia, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela, Kazakhstan, and Senegal.
