Artemis II Astronauts Awarded the Stephen Hawking Medal
The crew members were honoured for their contribution to the popularisation of space exploration, as they highlighted the importance of global unity.
A Message from Space to Humanity
The astronauts of the Artemis II mission, who completed a historic journey around the Moon, have been honoured with the Stephen Hawking Medal, one of the most prestigious awards for science communication. The ceremony took place in the Canary Islands during the opening of the Starmus VIII festival.
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Victor Glover, along with Canadian Space Agency representative Jeremy Hansen, accepted the award. The prize, which recognises the entire crew—including Christina Koch—celebrates their efforts in making space exploration accessible and inspiring to the general public.
A Perspective from Lunar Orbit
During his speech, Reid Wiseman reflected on the experience of viewing Earth from near the Moon. He noted that from a distance of 400,000 kilometres, our planet appears the size of a thumb, a sight that evokes a profound sense of peace and unity.
“When you look at Earth from such a distance, you realise that everything depends on us. We have the power to choose a better tomorrow,” the astronaut stated. This message, combined with the crew's active communication throughout the mission—including photographs, interviews, and sharing their daily life in space—formed the basis for their selection for the award.
The Synergy of Science and Art
The Stephen Hawking Medal was established in 2016 by the late scientist himself and the co-founder of the Starmus festival. It is awarded to individuals who make science more accessible. The Artemis II crew joins a distinguished list of laureates, including Buzz Aldrin, David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, and Neil deGrasse Tyson. This year, the medal was also awarded to renowned director Ridley Scott.
Starmus co-founder and legendary guitarist Brian May noted that it is a special honour to recognise the Artemis II astronauts, much like the tribute paid to the Apollo mission participants 50 years ago. The festival, themed around the “search for truth,” runs until 22 October and brings together scientists, astronauts, and artists.
The recognition of the Artemis II crew underscores that modern space missions represent more than just technological achievements. They serve as a means to unite humanity and inspire future generations, which is vital for the popularisation of scientific thinking.