World Space Week

World Space Week (WSW) 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:

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

Related Topics:
October 4 - 1957 - Sputnik 1

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October 10, 1967 ? The signing of the Outer Space Treaty (also known as 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).

Related Topics:
October 10 - 1967 - Outer Space Treaty

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Government agencies, industry, non-profit organizations, teachers, or even individuals can organize events to celebrate World Space Week. WSW is coordinated by the United Nations with the support of Spaceweek International Association and local coordinators in many countries. Information on the many locations and countries that celebrate World Space Week can be found here

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The World Space Week 2005 theme is "Discovery and Imagination." It is dedicated to science and astronomy, and imagination. The theme was selected by the Spaceweek International Association Board of Directors at its annual meeting held on 6 October 2004 in Vancouver, Canada.

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Astronomy and solar system exploration is a key goal of space programmes throughout the world. This theme thus encourages World Space Week programs about the exploration of space and science, but also the impacts that exploration has on the human imagination and the inspiration of youth. The 2005 WSW theme gives the opportunity for any country to organize interesting events, even if they are not space fairing countries.

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Highlights of World Space Week 2005 include:

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