World Space week began in 1999, as the general assembly decided to create an international celebration of science, technology, and their contribution to the betterment of human society. Their mission is to inspire students, demonstrate public support for space programs, and aid international space relations through education and outreach. There is a new theme each year, decided upon by the World Space Week Association Board of Directors, to help unify space outreach globally. Here are a few dates that are significantly marked during World Space Week:
October 4, 1957: This day goes down in history as the first-ever human-made earth satellite––the launch of Sputnik 1, which paved the way for future space exploration.
October 10, 1967: This date marks the signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. This treaty encapsulates basic international principles of space law:
- the exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries and shall be the province of all mankind;
- outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all States;
- outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means;
- States shall not place nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies or station them in outer space in any other manner
Where is World Space Week Celebrated?
World Space Week is celebrated all around the world, held by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, and museums. In 2017, a record was achieved with more than 4,000 recorded events in 82 nations.Â
How is World Space Week celebrated?Â
World Space Week is celebrated by introducing education and awareness around space and science to the public through outreach events, club meetings, and get-togethers. You can also celebrate this special day by attending World Space Week events such as museum and planetarium specials, presentations with space industry professionals, and even watching informational documentaries on space can be intriguing and enlightening.Â
Hopefully, during World Space Week, you will take the opportunity to learn more about the far reaches of the universe we live in. Maybe you can even deepen your understanding of our international space programs and recognize the amazing work and effort put into space research by professionals and people who have dedicated their whole lives to help further the betterment and understanding of our world.