ARTEMIS II CREW LANDS AT STARMUS VIII - 15 YEARS AFTER ARMSTRONG, ALDRIN AND LEONOV LAUNCHED ITS LEGACY

Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen are set to join STARMUS VIII in Tenerife and La Palma, continuing a tradition established in the Canary Islands in 2011. The festival will take place from October 17 to 22, 2026, marking fifteen years since STARMUS first gathered prominent figures in human space exploration.

This year’s event, titled "The Search for Truth," will feature the Artemis II crew members as they reflect on the mission that saw them travel around the Moon and safely return to Earth, marking the first human lunar travel in over fifty years. The participation of Wiseman, Glover, and Hansen symbolizes a connection to the festival's origins, where earlier astronauts shared their experiences of space exploration.

STARMUS originated in 2011 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's first human spaceflight, featuring iconic figures such as Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Alexei Leonov, who shared their stories with a new generation of explorers. Over the years, the festival has fostered discussions around significant topics in science and humanity, exemplified by the 108 Minutes Round Table event which has included esteemed figures like Stephen Hawking and Jane Goodall.

In conjunction with its 10th anniversary of the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication, STARMUS VIII will also host other notable figures from the fields of science and the arts, including Chris Hadfield and Julie Payette. The festival promises to continue its commitment to engaging the public and inspiring future generations of explorers through music, science, and conversation.

The festival is expected to highlight the achievements and aspirations of the Artemis II mission with a broader aim of inspiring young individuals to pursue careers in science, engineering, and exploration. Tickets for STARMUS VIII, including the Opening Concert, are available through its official website.