Artemis II Crew to Receive Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication

CANARY ISLANDS, Spain, Sept. 28, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- On October 17th, The Artemis II crew will receive the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication at STARMUS VIII in Tenerife, recognizing their exceptional work in inspiring millions around the world through interviews, social media, educational outreach, and direct engagement with the public.

The Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication was launched in 2016 by Stephen Hawking and STARMUS to recognize those who make an exceptional contribution to bringing science, exploration, and the wonder of the universe closer to society. This year, the medal will be awarded to the four members of the Artemis II crew, Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen. They join an exceptional group of 2026 Stephen Hawking Medal recipients, marking the 10th anniversary of the medal.

Before, during, and after Artemis II, the four astronauts became powerful ambassadors for science and space exploration. Through interviews, social media, live communications, educational initiatives, and public appearances, they brought the science and technology behind an extraordinarily complex mission closer to millions of people around the world. Their communication went far beyond explaining the technical milestones of Artemis II. They shared the human experience of science and exploration, the preparation, challenges, risks, teamwork, international cooperation, and sense of discovery behind a mission that opened a new chapter in humanity's exploration of the Moon.

In doing so, they helped audiences understand not only what Artemis II was doing but why it mattered. Most importantly, they inspired people, particularly younger generations, to engage with science, engineering, technology, and space exploration, demonstrating the extraordinary power of communication to turn a scientific mission into a shared human experience.

The Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication is awarded to those who make an exceptional contribution to bringing science, exploration, and the wonder of the universe closer to society. The medal itself embodies the philosophy of STARMUS, bringing together science, human space exploration, art, and music in a single object. Its design incorporates Stephen Hawking, Alexei Leonov, and Brian May, symbolizing the idea that science should not remain within laboratories, universities, or spacecraft but should be communicated, shared, and made part of human culture.

The presence of Leonov in the medal's design has a particularly powerful meaning. The man who became the first person to walk in space also used his talent as an artist to portray Stephen Hawking, and that image became part of a medal devoted to communicating science to humanity. The result is more than an award; it is a symbol of the idea on which STARMUS was founded.

The 2026 awards have particular significance as STARMUS celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Stephen Hawking Medal. Previous recipients include some of the world's most influential figures in science, exploration, and culture, among them Buzz Aldrin, Jane Goodall, David Attenborough, Christopher Nolan, Hans Zimmer, Elon Musk, Brian Eno, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

From Apollo to Artemis, the recognition of the Artemis II crew continues a remarkable connection between STARMUS and human space exploration that began with the very first festival 15 years ago. Over the years, nine Apollo astronauts have taken part in STARMUS, including Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 8 astronauts Bill Anders and Jim Lovell, alongside legendary cosmonaut Alexei Leonov. They came to STARMUS not simply as pioneers of exploration but to share their experiences, discoveries, and vision directly with the public. Aldrin and Leonov returned to STARMUS several times in the years that followed.

With Artemis II, that story enters a new generation. The Stephen Hawking Medal and the OMEGA Speedmaster bring together two extraordinary legacies associated with humanity's exploration of space, one celebrating the power to communicate science, and the other carrying a history intimately connected with humanity's journeys beyond Earth.

The Medal Ceremony at STARMUS VIII will bring together leading scientists, astronauts, Nobel laureates, artists, and cultural figures from around the world. The ceremony will be followed by a spectacular concert featuring Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, and Brian May, performing with the Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra and an international house band. The evening will also feature special guest appearances by legendary keyboardist Rick Wakeman and violinist Rusanda Panfili, bringing together science, space exploration, and music in the tradition that has defined STARMUS since its creation.