Artemis II Astronauts Join STARMUS VIII Festival
News related to:STARMUS · 2 min read
On October 17-22, 2026, three astronauts from the Artemis II mission will attend STARMUS VIII, an international festival held in Tenerife and La Palma, Spain. The event, which celebrates its 15th anniversary, brings together leading scientists, astronauts, and artists to discuss the future of space exploration and humanity's place in the cosmos.
Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen will join the 2026 edition of STARMUS, continuing a legacy that began in 2011 with the pioneering figures of the first human spaceflight era. In 2011, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Alexei Leonov, among other legendary astronauts and scientists, gathered in the Canary Islands to inspire a new generation of explorers.
STARMUS VIII, themed "The Search for Truth," will feature a mix of renowned figures, including Stephen Hawking Medal winners, Nobel laureates, and influential space explorers. The festival will also host an Opening Concert in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, headlined by Brian May, Andrea Bocelli, and Sarah Brightman.
The connection between the Apollo era and the Artemis missions is evident in the Artemis II crew's participation. Earlier this year, Wiseman, Glover, and Hansen completed a historic journey around the Moon, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them. The mission, which marked the first time humans visited the Moon in more than half a century, opened a new era of human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.
"This is an incredible opportunity for us to share our experiences and discuss the future of space exploration with the brightest minds in science and art," said Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot. "We are excited to be part of this legacy and to thank the global community for their support."
The Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication, now in its 10th year, will be celebrated during STARMUS VIII. The medal recognizes individuals who have transformed the public understanding of science and humanity's place in the Universe. Past recipients include Hans Zimmer, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Buzz Aldrin.
The festival's commitment to science communication and public engagement is reflected in its educational initiatives. Over the past decade, STARMUS has delivered hundreds of free lectures at more than 35 universities and educational institutions, reaching over 20,000 students. Its Science Camps, which have welcomed more than 250,000 people, provide interactive workshops and science exhibits to young people, families, and the wider public.
STARMUS VIII will also welcome two legendary figures of human spaceflight: Chris Hadfield, former Commander of the International Space Station, and Julie Payette, former Governor General of Canada and astronaut. The presence of these astronauts, alongside the Artemis II crew, creates a remarkable bridge across the history and future of human space exploration.
"We are humbled and excited to join this year's STARMUS gathering," said Glover. "It's an amazing legacy, and we are still overwhelmed and inspired by our small part in it."
STARMUS VIII will take place in Tenerife and La Palma, offering a unique opportunity for the public to engage with astronauts, scientists, artists, and thinkers. The festival will explore the search for truth, both in the cosmos and within humanity itself.