Canary Islands, Spain – September 28, 2026 -- The four astronauts of NASA's Artemis II mission — Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — will receive the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication on October 17, 2026, during the opening of STARMUS VIII in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The crew turned a lunar mission into a global science lesson
Organizers cite the astronauts' use of interviews, social media, live communications, educational initiatives and public appearances to explain the science and technology behind Artemis II. STARMUS says the crew went beyond technical milestones, sharing the preparation, risks, teamwork and international cooperation behind the mission, and helped younger audiences engage with science and space exploration.
The award marks its 10th anniversary alongside filmmaker Ridley Scott
Launched in 2016 by Stephen Hawking and STARMUS, the medal recognizes contributions that bring science and exploration closer to the public. Sir Ridley Scott is also among the 2026 recipients. Past honorees include Buzz Aldrin, Jane Goodall, David Attenborough, Christopher Nolan, Elon Musk and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Nine Apollo astronauts, including Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, have appeared at STARMUS over 15 years
The festival has also hosted cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, the first person to walk in space in 1965. Leonov's artistic portrait of Hawking is incorporated into the medal's design, alongside imagery tied to Brian May's Red Special guitar.
STARMUS co-founder Garik Israelian said the Artemis II crew "did not simply travel around the Moon — they brought millions of people with them." Co-founder Brian May said honoring the crew echoes how STARMUS previously recognized Apollo astronauts more than 50 years ago.
OMEGA created a special inscribed Speedmaster for the occasion
OMEGA, whose Speedmaster was certified by NASA for crewed missions in 1965, produced a special edition watch referencing the Artemis II crew's Stephen Hawking Medal recognition.
The ceremony will feature a concert with Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
The October 17 event in Tenerife will include performances by Bocelli, Brightman and Brian May with the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra, plus guest appearances by Rick Wakeman and Rusanda Panfili. STARMUS VIII, themed "The Search for Truth,