Celebrating a Legacy: Artemis II Crew Joins STARMUS VIII to Inspire the Next Generation of Explorers

Celebrating a Legacy: Artemis II Crew at STARMUS VIII

Fifteen years after bringing the legends of manned space exploration together, the STARMUS Festival is set to welcome new pioneers who are continuing this remarkable journey. From October 17 to 22, 2026, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen, members of the Artemis II crew, will participate in STARMUS VIII – The Search for Truth, in the beautiful locales of Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands.

The Legacy of STARMUS

STARMUS originated in 2011, within the vibrant backdrop of the Canary Islands, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's historic first manned spaceflight. This inaugural event set the stage for a series of gatherings that blended science, art, and exploration, featuring esteemed figures like Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon; Buzz Aldrin, the second; and Alexei Leonov, the first human to walk in space. Their stories of courage and discovery inspired countless attendees and marked a significant moment in the narrative of human space exploration.

In a groundbreaking format, STARMUS created the '108 Minutes Round Table', dedicated to discussing the most profound questions facing humanity. The very first discussion at the Gran Telescopio Canarias saw Armstrong and Leonov alongside leading thinkers engage in a unique dialogue about our place in the universe, solidifying STARMUS's role as a forum for innovative ideas and collaborative thinking.

Over the years, STARMUS has continued to surge forward, inviting the likes of Stephen Hawking and Jane Goodall to join in the discussions, further promoting dialogue across diverse fields that transcend traditional academic boundaries. Not only has it become a gathering point for astrophysicists, Nobel laureates, and renowned artists, but it has also engaged a global audience through various educational outreach initiatives.

From Apollo to Artemis

This year's STARMUS marks a pivotal transition. While STARMUS previously celebrated Apollo's legacy with illustrious astronauts sharing stories of past achievements, it now turns its attention to the Artemis program, which symbolizes a new era of space exploration. In early 2026, the Artemis II mission successfully took Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen on a journey around the Moon—a historic milestone, as it marked the first crew return to lunar space in over fifty years. This mission not only reaffirmed humanity's commitment to lunar exploration but also paved the way for future journeys beyond, including preparations for trips to Mars.

The participation of Wiseman, Glover, and Hansen in STARMUS VIII beautifully intertwines with the festival's legacy. They represent the continuation of the inspirational story that began with pioneers like Armstrong and Aldrin. Their presence signifies a commitment to inspiring the next generation of explorers, scientists, and innovators who will shape the destiny of space travel.

A Celebration of Science Communication

In addition to welcoming the Artemis crew, STARMUS VIII also commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication. Established to honor individuals who have fundamentally enhanced public understanding of science, this accolade has celebrated a variety of talents, including artists and filmmakers alongside prominent scientists. Recipients like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Brian May, and Jane Goodall exemplify the festival's mission to bring science to the masses through engaging storytelling and creative expression.

Moreover, STARMUS has expanded its educational footprint, reaching over 250,000 participants through lectures and science camps aimed at demystifying complex scientific concepts for young minds and igniting a passion for exploration.