Artemis Accord: Portugal joins NASA coalition for Moon and Mars exploration

Portugal became the 60th signatory to the Artemis Accords, which set principles for peaceful, transparent civil exploration of the Moon, Mars and other celestial bodies.

Portugal has become the 60th country to sign the Artemis Accords, NASA announced. The Accords set out principles for civil exploration and use of the Moon, Mars, comets and asteroids for peaceful purposes. They were launched in October 2020 by eight nations and have grown as missions beyond low Earth orbit have matured. NASA's administrator Jared Isaaman publicly welcomed Portugal's signing. Key details: - Portugal is the 60th signatory to the Artemis Accords. - The Accords were initiated in October 2020 by eight nations, including the USA, the UK, the UAE, Luxembourg, Japan, Italy, Canada and Australia. - The Accords include principles such as transparency, public registration, deconfliction of operations, and peaceful use. - Signatory responsibilities mentioned include emergency assistance under a "Rescue and Return Agreement", sharing scientific data, and preserving outer space heritage. - Section 11 of the Accords affirms consideration of the United Nations Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities adopted by COPUOS in 2019. Summary: The signing extends the Artemis coalition and, according to NASA, strengthens opportunities for transatlantic collaboration and supports development of orbital and lunar activity. Undetermined at this time.