The U.S. Department of State congratulated the Sultanate of Oman for joining the Artemis Accords on Monday, calling the move a commitment to “peaceful space exploration and use.”
The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries as “practical principles to guide responsible space exploration.” Oman became the 61st country to sign the Accords, according to the department.
Ana Escrogima, the U.S. ambassador to Oman, and Casey Swails, deputy associate administrator of NASA, witnessed the signing on the margins of the Middle East Space Conference. The State Department said Oman’s signature reflects “the deepening U.S.-Oman partnership in space, science and emerging technologies.”
John Gedmark, CEO of Astranis Space Technologies, announced the same day that his company is building a new satellite for Oman.
The signing followed the third U.S.-Oman Strategic Dialogue, held on Jan. 25 in Muscat. The talks “advanced the shared U.S.-Oman commitment to supporting peace through diplomacy and dialogue, including efforts to reduce regional tensions and promote regional security,” according to a joint statement from the two governments.
