Dr. Peter Martinez was honored by the IAF with the 2020 Frank J. Malina Astronautics Medal, "for his outstanding contributions to space education in South Africa and beyond as well as being an educator and promoter of the study of astronautics and space sciences in academic teaching as well as performing education, public, scientific and political outreach."

Since 1986, the Frank J. Malina Astronautics Medal is presented annually to an educator who has demonstrated excellence in taking the fullest advantage of the resources available to them to promote the study of astronautics and related space sciences. The Frank J. Malina Astronautics Medal recipient is traditionally honored during the International Astronautical Congress’ (IAC) closing ceremony. Dr. Martinez will be recognized during this year's virtual proceedings.