Oman Becomes 61st Nation to Sign Artemis Accords

The Sultanate of Oman has officially joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 61st nation to commit to the United States-led framework for peaceful and responsible space exploration. The signing ceremony took place on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Muscat, coinciding with the opening of the Middle-East Space Conference (MESC).

According to the official announcement from NASA, the signing marks a significant step in the diplomatic and scientific relationship between Oman and the United States. The Accords were signed by Said al-Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transportation, Communication, and Information Technology, on behalf of the Sultanate.

Representing the United States at the event were Ana Escrogima, U.S. Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, and Casey Swails, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman delivered remarks via a pre-recorded video, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the modern space era.

“Oman’s accession to the Artemis Accords sets an important example about the value of responsible behavior and shared pursuit of discovery. Oman joins the U.S. and our other partners on ensuring the peaceful exploration of space for generations to come.”

, Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator

Strategic Expansion of Oman’s Space Sector

Oman’s decision to join the Accords aligns with its broader national Strategy, Oman Vision 2040, which identifies the space sector as a critical component for economic diversification and the development of a digital economy. By signing the Accords, Oman integrates itself into a global coalition committed to standards that facilitate commercial and civil space activities.

Data compiled from the Middle East Space Conference indicates that Oman has rapidly accelerated its space capabilities in recent years. Key milestones leading up to this accession include:

• Infrastructure Development: The development of the Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm, the region’s first commercial spaceport, which leverages a strategic equatorial location.
• Launch Heritage: The successful Launch of “Duqm-1,” the first suborbital rocket from Omani soil, conducted on December 5, 2024.
• Satellite Deployment: The launch of OL-1, an AI-powered optical earth observation satellite, in November 2024.

According to officials at the conference, Investment in Oman’s space sector reportedly saw a 200% increase by the end of 2025, signaling strong government and commercial backing for these initiatives.

Principles of the Artemis Accords

The Artemis Accords, established in 2020, are a non-binding set of principles grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. They are designed to guide civil space exploration and ensure that participating nations operate with transparency and safety. As the 61st signatory, Oman has committed to core principles including:

• Peaceful Purposes: Conducting all space activities solely for peaceful ends.
• Transparency and Interoperability: Openly sharing policies and ensuring systems are compatible to enhance safety.
• Emergency Assistance: Providing aid to astronauts in distress.
• Scientific Data Release: The open sharing of scientific findings with the global community.

AirPro News Analysis

We view Oman’s accession as a calculated geopolitical and economic move. By hosting the Middle East Space Conference and securing its status as the 61st Artemis signatory, Oman is positioning itself as a neutral, high-tech hub within the Middle East space economy. This distinguishes its program from the more established, headline-heavy programs of neighbors like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, the “incremental” approach noted by industry analysts, moving from suborbital tests with the Duqm-1 to international governance participation, suggests a focus on sustainable, long-term commercial viability rather than purely prestige-driven projects. This aligns with the practical economic goals of Vision 2040, reducing risk while building the “launch heritage” necessary to attract international commercial partners like PLD Space.

Sources

• NASA Press Release