Koch, 47, was part of the four-member crew of the Artemis II which in April flew around the Moon.
US astronaut Christina Koch, the first woman to take part in a lunar mission, was named Wednesday the winner of a top Spanish prize for having "helped extend the frontiers of humanity."
The jury of the Princess of Asturias Award for Concord said Koch's career is an inspiration for future generations, particularly women. It reflects "humanity's ability to overcome challenges and adversity through hard work, collaboration and empathy."
Koch, 47, was part of the four-member crew of the Artemis II mission , which in April flew around the moon, the first lunar flyby in more than 50 years.
She is widely viewed as a potential candidate for future lunar-surface missions.
The Artemis II astronauts became the humans to travel farthest from Earth, at 406,771 kilometers (252,756 miles).
Koch already held the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman—328 days—and took part in the first spacewalk performed entirely by women, alongside her colleague Jessica Meir.
The 50,000-euro ($58,000) Concord Award is one of eight prizes, including for the arts, sciences and sports, handed out annually by the foundation named after the heir to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor.
It honors efforts to improve human coexistence, solidarity and global cooperation.
Previous winners of the Concord Award include Scottish charity group Mary's Meals, Spanish chef Jose Andres and Spain's health workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Who's behind this story?
Andrew Zinin
Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success.
Full profile →
© 2026 AFP
Citation :
Groundbreaking US astronaut Christina Koch wins top Spanish award (2026, June 17)
retrieved 17 June 2026
from https://phys.org/news/2026-06-groundbreaking-astronaut-christina-koch-spanish.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
Read the full article at Phys.org →
United Kingdom