San Marino Becomes 76th Artemis Accords Signatory
The Republic of San Marino became the 76th nation to sign the Artemis Accords during a ceremony in Rimini on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Minister Rossano Fabbri signed for San Marino, with NASA Europe representative Gregory Mann and U.S. Consul General Joseph Tordella taking part. The Accords, started in 2020, set practical principles for peaceful, transparent, and safe exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
San Marino’s signature in Rimini on Sept. 25, 2026, made it the 76th country to join the Artemis Accords. Minister Rossano Fabbri signed, while NASA’s Europe representative Gregory Mann and U.S. Consul General Joseph Tordella attended. The Accords emerged in 2020 from NASA, the State Department, and seven founding nations.
The framework asks participants to explore peacefully and openly, assist people in distress, share scientific results, avoid harmful interference, and protect important historic sites and objects. NASA has invited signatories to take part in lunar efforts through payloads, technology tests, CubeSats, and other contributions. San Marino described the agreement as aligned with its own values and a means to encourage cross-border space collaboration.
San Marino’s participation may broaden the Artemis Accords’ perceived legitimacy and encourage smaller states to view space cooperation as accessible. Citizens and researchers in signatory nations could gain clearer pathways to lunar data, payload opportunities, and collaborative projects. Companies and academic teams may find new partnerships, while international norms around transparency and heritage protection could shape how future Moon activity affects public trust and long-term governance.