Artemis II Crew to Receive Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication

The STARMUS festival has announced that the four members of the Artemis II crew – Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen – will receive the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication. The award recognizes their efforts in inspiring millions globally through their engagement with science, technology, and human exploration.

The crew will be presented with the medal on October 17 at STARMUS VIII in Tenerife. STARMUS cited the astronauts' exceptional work in communicating the science and technical aspects of the Artemis II mission, as well as the human experience of space exploration, through interviews, social media, and public appearances.

Prior to, during, and after the Artemis II mission, the astronauts served as prominent advocates for science and space exploration. Their communications aimed to explain not only the mission's technical milestones but also the broader significance of such endeavors, fostering understanding and inspiring younger generations. This approach has been credited with making a complex scientific mission a shared human experience.

The Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication was established in 2016 by Stephen Hawking and STARMUS to honor individuals who make significant contributions to bringing science and the wonders of the universe closer to society. This year, filmmaker Sir Ridley Scott will also receive a medal, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the award. Previous recipients include figures like Buzz Aldrin, Jane Goodall, and David Attenborough.