The United Nations is celebrating World Space Week from October 4-10. World Space Week is the largest annual space event in the world. 

The celebrations are coordinated by the UN with the support of the Space Week International Association and local coordinators in various countries, based on a theme declared every year.

In 2020, World Space Week is dedicated to satellites and their broad benefits under the theme “Satellites improve life”. In 2021, World Space Week will celebrate “Women in Space”.

The establishments under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are also observing the World Space Week by arranging lectures by eminent persons.

Significance of World Space Week

The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held every year from October 4-10. 

The dates were in recognition of the October 4, 1957 launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration and the October 10, 1967 signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition.

During the week, space education and outreach events are organised by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, planetaria, museums, and astronomy clubs around the world. 

World Space Week aims to:

• Provide unique leverage in space outreach and education.

• Educate people around the world about the benefits that they receive from space.

• Encourage greater use of space for sustainable economic development.

• Demonstrate public support for space programs.

• Excite young people about science, technology, engineering, and maths.

• Foster international cooperation in space outreach and education.

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