Oman Joins Artemis Accords as 61st Signatory at Muscat Ceremony

Overview

• Oman's transport and technology minister Said al-Maawali signed during the Middle East Space Conference in Muscat, with U.S. Ambassador Ana Escrogima and NASA Deputy Associate Administrator Casey Swails participating.
• NASA confirmed the accession on Jan. 26 after Administrator Jared Isaacman signaled the move in a Jan. 23 social post that was later updated to note the formal timing.
• Officials highlighted principles of peaceful, transparent civil exploration that include data sharing, non-interference, aid to others, and protection of historic sites.
• Oman announced a small Astranis geostationary communications satellite planned for launch later this year and noted a larger Airbus satellite ordered in November.
• The country becomes the second new signatory of 2026 after Portugal, as the U.S.-led framework continues to outpace China’s International Lunar Research Station initiative in new partners.