Evidence from credible sources supports the statement as accurate. Learn more in Methodology.
Official records or the text of the Artemis Accords showing Portugal’s signature on behalf of its government.
Evidence from independent and primary sources confirms that Portugal’s Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão, signed the Artemis Accords in an official capacity representing the Portuguese government.
A NASA news release on Jan. 12, 2026, reports that “Portugal’s Secretary of State for Science and Innovation Helena Canhão signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the country on Jan. 11,” explicitly identifying her as the official signatory acting for Portugal. The U.S. State Department’s media note states that “Portugal’s Secretary of State for Science and Innovation Helena Canhão signed the Accords on behalf of the Government of Portugal on January 11th,” confirming she acted on the government’s behalf. NASA’s Artemis Accords page further notes that Portugal became the 60th nation to sign the accords on January 11, 2026, corroborating the timing and Portugal’s formal accession as a state. Based on these consistent official records, the statement that Portugal signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of its government is accurate.
Verdict: True, because multiple official sources (NASA and the U.S. Department of State) consistently state that Helena Canhão signed the Artemis Accords in her capacity as Secretary of State, representing the Government of Portugal.