World Space Week

4-10 October

It is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10. These dates commemorate two events:

October 4, 1957 -- Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration

October 10, 1967 – The signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activites of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

Where and how is World Space Week celebrated?

It is open to all. Government agencies, industry, non-profit organizations, teachers, or even individuals can organize events to celebrate space. This week is coordinated by the United Nations with the support of Spaceweek International Association and local coordinators in many countries.

What are the benefits of World Space Week?

Educates people around the world about the benefits they receive from space

Encourages greater use of space for sustainable economic development

Demonstrates public support for space programs

Excites children about learning and their future

Promote institutions around the world that are involved in space

Fosters international cooperation in space outreach and education

There are many ways to get involved:

· Volunteer for Spaceweek International Association

· Organize an event directly

· Help expand and coordinate World Space Week

· Encourage teachers and students to do space-related activities

Organizations

United Nations

The United Nations General Assembly declared World Space Week in 1999. The celebration of World Space Week is under the guidance of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA) based in Vienna, Austria.

Spaceweek International Association

Spaceweek International Association (SIA), founded in 1981, is one of the world's oldest space education organizations. Today it is the proud partner of the United Nations in the global coordination of World Space Week. SIA recruits and supports a worldwide network of coordinators and participants. This non-government, non-profit, international organization is based in Houston, Texas, USA.

World Space Week Coordinators

A global network of organizations and individuals coordinates this annual event at the national and local levels. These coordinators invite organizations to hold events, publicize the resulting World Space Week celebration through the media, and report on the results.

World Space Week Participants

Many organizations and individuals around the world conduct events and other programs during World Space Week. Participants include science museums, aerospace industry, astronomy clubs, government space facilities, and others which hold public events, and teachers who use World Space Week to excite students about learning.