NASA astronaut Christina Koch, who made history as the first woman to fly around the Moon, has been awarded the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Concord in Spain. The jury, meeting in Oviedo, recognised her for having “helped extend the frontiers of humanity” and for serving as an inspiration to future generations, particularly women.
Koch, 47, was a member of the four-person crew of the Artemis II mission, which in April completed the first lunar flyby in over half a century. The mission set a new record for the farthest distance humans have travelled from Earth, reaching 406,771 kilometres. Koch is widely seen as a strong candidate for future missions to the lunar surface.
The Princess of Asturias Foundation, named after the heir to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor, awards eight prizes annually across categories including the arts, sciences, and sports. The Concord Award, worth €50,000, honours efforts to improve human coexistence, solidarity, and global cooperation. Previous winners include the Scottish charity Mary's Meals, Spanish chef José Andrés, and Spain's healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
A Career of Firsts
Koch already held the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, at 328 days, and participated in the first all-female spacewalk alongside her colleague Jessica Meir. Her career, the jury noted, reflects “humanity's ability to overcome challenges and adversity through hard work, collaboration and empathy.”
The award comes at a time when European space agencies are increasingly collaborating with NASA on lunar exploration. The European Space Agency (ESA) has contributed key components to the Artemis programme, including the service module for the Orion spacecraft. Koch's recognition in Spain underscores the transatlantic partnership that underpins modern space exploration.
In related developments, former NASA astronaut Daniel Tani has spoken about the importance of international cooperation in space, highlighting how missions like Artemis rely on expertise from across Europe and beyond. Read more about Tani's insights on space cooperation and life in orbit.
The Princess of Asturias Awards have a long tradition of honouring individuals and organisations that promote global understanding. Koch's selection for the Concord Award places her alongside figures who have made significant contributions to peace and human progress. The award ceremony is expected to take place in Oviedo later this year, with Princess Leonor presiding.
Koch's achievement also resonates in Spain, where scientific research and space exploration are gaining momentum. Spanish scientists recently drilled 500 metres into a meteorite crater in search of clues about Mars, demonstrating the country's growing role in planetary science. Learn more about that project here.
The Artemis II mission, which included Koch alongside Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, marked a crucial step toward returning humans to the Moon. For Koch, the Princess of Asturias Award is both a personal honour and a recognition of the collaborative spirit that drives space exploration forward.
